Paris By Night Poem by Angela Wybrow

I’ve decided to spend a few days away,
To celebrate one of life’s big birthdays.
So, here I am in the famous ‘city of love’,
Wrapped up in my coat, scarf and gloves.

I’m at the Eiffel Tower, up on the second floor;
Taking in the City’s panoramic views, with awe.
I text my friends, but my fingers are frozen cold;
So that my mobile, my hand can hardly now hold.

Being less than a week into the brand New Year,
It isn’t long before the daylight begins to disappear.
It’s nearly six o’clock and, soon, the tour bus departs,
So my descent of the Tower, in earnest, now starts.

But, when I reach the bottom, I find I’m a little too late:
The back of the tour bus is just pulling out of the gate.
At first, I feel worried, and I admit, just a little bit scared,
But, the sights I see are ones, which, are beyond compare.

If I’d caught the bus, I’d have missed these sights:
Sights, which fill my soul with such sheer delight.
I see the bright lights on the Eiffel Tower flicker away;
It’s a delightful sight, and now I’m glad that I stayed.

I decide that, missing the bus, was a blessing in disguise,
As I tuck into the visual feast, set before my very eyes.
The long walk back is pretty long, and really very cold;
Unlike pairs of lovers, I have no warm hand, which, to hold.

I see the tall, illuminated, obelisk and the observation wheel;
My excited eyes are greatly enjoying this rich, cultural meal.
I see the glass pyramid at The Louvre, gently glowing blue;
If I had managed to catch the bus, I’d have missed this too.

I work my way back to the banks of the mighty River Seine,
And glance at the stunning buildings opposite, again and again.
The important buildings and monuments are all shrouded in light:
I snap away with my camera, attempting to capture this very night.

Each time I stumble across a new and glorious sight,
I say a soft, whispered ‘wow! ’ into the darkened night.
Further up river, at Chatelet Metro station, I board the next train.
Memories of what I’ve seen tonight, forever, with me, will remain.