This is a bit of a strange poem and also a new step for me. It’s the first proper poem that I’ve written where I didn’t have a rhyming scheme at all. It does have a familiar rhythm though. It was written at 2am on a Saturday night in Amsterdam, so it may seem a bit jumbled? I quite like it!

Row upon row of neon lights,
People swarm around red-lit windows,
The smell of cannabis fills the air,
Groups of people hurry along laughing.

There’s a hotel upon every corner,
A restaurant to suit every taste,
Bars that serve you a genuine pint,
Cafes where you ask for the “menu”.

Miles of beautiful canals,
Stretch as far as the eye can see,
Pleasure boats motor along,
Their lights reflecting across the water.

Nearly everyone speaks English,
Which helps to welcome you here,
But there’s so much to see and do,
You know you’ll be back again soon.

(c) Matt Davies 2005