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Basel
by Tony Whitaker
Narrow cobblestone strasse
conveying me to a destination
places to see or eat in history
Famous, these Swiss, in the middle ages
sought by all countries for their mercenary might
now just smiles on friendly faces
Passing pedestrians window shopping
buildings, once homes or general stores,
now see more than youre looking for
Trams and busses whisk one away
to any corner in the city to play or pray
no need for cars, no rage today
Movenpicks at Marktplatz
sitting outside, all come to chat
as we sip wine, eating Rösti
Watching people walking by
lovers embrace, mothers give chase
giving a heart to another
I came to live and work in fear
giving hope to my wifes career
fear in fleeing an American nest
But this at once was a magic place
where time stands still at sunsets trace
stores close early, no one works on Sunday!
A new rhythm seeped in, this weathered skin
where once was chaos comes peace within,
now silence, fills where once was din
Once rare, back there,
each day I look forward to living here
Do I wish to die here or there?
In this beating heart of Basel
06/20/2008 Author's Note: I love this city in central Europe.
Posted on 06/20/2008
Copyright © 2025 Tony Whitaker
| Member Comments on this Poem |
| Posted by Quentin S Clingerman on 07/15/08 at 06:03 PM You've enthusiastically written of what has to be a marvelous place to live in Switzerland.
I was not in Basel but several cities in Switzerland. Loved the country! |
| Posted by Leonard M Hawkes on 03/04/09 at 05:10 AM This captures the scene well--I too love Switzerland. |
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