Tour Bus

Watch the tour bus glide on by,
People up top, gawking,
While the guide is on the mike,
Gesturing and talking.

Wonder what the people think
When visiting the city;
Is their tour inspiring awe
Or envy, fear or pity?

Passing through, they catch a glimpse,
But there’s no way to tell
What life is really like in this,
The place we know so well.

Impressions formed with just a glance
Are perfect ways to start,
But longer visits are required
To tap a city’s heart.

And so I watch the bus go by,
The tourists all aglow,
Convinced that such a sojourn
Tells them all they need to know.