Hyde Park Bistro Poem by Padmanabhan Ananth

Hyde Park Bistro



In a narrow alley close to the Park
One winter's evening, during a walk
I hesitantly stepped in for a simple treat
All alone at break from a business meet

The bistro was bright lit - naked bulbs
There was loud music - strings, melodies
An assortment of drinks - soft to not-so
Brews, distills and labels - local and afar

I settled for a mild, chill local brew
One that will warm but wreak no harm
Along with a plate of local catch, fresh fries
Wafers of potato but no trace of spice

At the next table were three couples
All good corking friends - quite visible
All very old said their skins fair, wrinkled
But all to celebrate - seemed assembled

The males were well suited and booted
Their shirts stiff starched and pressed
The ladies in dresses and hats elegant
Once pretty faces made up for the night

They ordered a bottle of chill Champagne
In a round of fills, one was quickly done
Tinkling flute glasses, cheering toast
One lady's birthday they there to celebrate

Then another of the same French brand
Was split, even spilt and speedily downed
One bald guest cleared his aged deep throat
Wished happy returns to pal's sweetheart

The pert waitresses, master bartenders
Kept an eye on the mature partying elders
To ensure none of them went overboard
Nay, nay! They all maintained their decor

Apparent to all, these were thick buddies
Seemed to know one other many decades
Bar guitarist strummed Stevie Wonder's ballad
For the eighty's birthday number, they all lauded

Once the doubles and party dinner done
The couples shuffled out, one by one
Pullovers on to beat the cold North wind
Umbrellas too to hold off sharp London rain

Cracker of an evening for me it was
Welcome break off a drudging work
More than my own drink and dine
I spent in awe at the couples' celebration.

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Written on Nov.10,2013
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