A Poem to Get You in the Spirit of the Olympic Games

In honor of the 30th Olympiad which is taking place right now in London, England, we welcome back Joseph P. Martino. This time Mr. Martino bring us some verses on why he loves London. Enjoy!

At Buckingham Palace, view the “Changing of the Guard”…
Loved by one & all and held in high regard.

Make a point to visit Madame Tussaud’s wax museum, on Marylebone…
Later, enjoy a delicious meal and scone.

The London museums and galleries are among the world’s very best. ..
I offer a partial list, I’m sure there’s more that I might have missed.
The Science Museum, British museum, Museum of London, The Victoria and Albert museum,
The National Gallery and the Natural History museum just to name a few…
Art & antiquity in a great and cultural milieu.

Make the “rounds” with your “circle” of friends at Piccadilly…
This at first may sound silly.
Visit the Sherlock Holmes museum of 221b Baker Street…
You will be in for a very special treat.

Catch a play, or “theatre”, as they say…
Maybe even a Shakespeare play.
Oscar was simply “Wilde” about the Theatre Royal Haymarket
Premiering his first comedy, “A Woman of No Importance” in 1893 for all the world to see.
Attend the “National Opera” at the London Colisseum…
Your total opera experience will end on a very “high note”.

The beefeaters greet you while standing guard, at the Tower Bridge…
Ever-vigilant and protective of the Crown Jewels…
Come, behave, but don’t break the rules.
Take in a grand performance at The Albert Hall…
So regal, so “Royal”, you’ll have a ball.

Purchase the finest hand-made custom suits and apparel on “Saville Row”…
Their tailors make a Prince or King out of the average Joe.

You can find, buy and purchase some of the finest quality merchandise
In our shoppes and department stores…
Harvey Nichols, Liberty, Selfridges and Fortnum & Mason are some of the very best on my list…
There are many other fine world class london stores that exist.
When in Knightbridge, shop at Harrod’s department store…
Who could ask for anything more?

London shopping is not discreet…
You will find loads of shoppers on every street.
Among the more prominent streets and areas. ..
Bond Street, Oxford & Regent Street, Carnaby Street, Kings Road,
Portobello Road and Leicester Square among many, many others.
I cannot begin to name them all…the list would be too thick and tall.

London’s transport, underground tubes, will whisk you around in no time fast…
The tubes and tunnels are deep and were built to last.

From Piccadilly Circus, stroll down toward Trafalgar Square to Whitehall’s government row.
Pass 10 Downing Street and continue along …
The cabinet war room bunkers and allow your mind to conjure up images,
Memories, whispers and echoes of years gone by…
Of Sir Winston Churchill, as he bravely and heroically commanded his World War Two armed forces.

Then on to the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey…
While there, make “Big Ben” your compass, landmark and “towering friend”.

London’s hotel accommodations are all quite superb, both modern and classic in design…
Some are so modern and luxurious, they’re hard to define.

There’s a good time to be had in swinging London…
Top-flight entertainment, a most exciting night-life…bring your girlfriend, or your wife.
Plenty of things to see and do…
By day, visit our beautiful parks and the Regent zoo.
Hyde, Green and Regent are the largest, most beautiful and most famous of London’s parks…
There are many other lush and beautiful vest-pocket parks spread across the city to discover, stroll leisurely hand in hand with your lover, and if time allows, the experience will surely inspire your awes and wows.

City of light, many delights, fine pubs, restaurants and great cafes…
To while away your nights and days.

Take a cruise along the River Thames or a ride in the sky on the london eye over the river Thames.
Have a “good” time in Greenwich “mean” time.
Come aboard the clipper “Cutty Sark”…
Now permanently in dry dock along the river bank.
You’ll sing a song of “sixpence” when conducting business at the nearby bustling financial centre… Canary Wharf, an 800 ft. tower of power named Canada Square…
Stands proud & tall, her grace, magnitude and stature is beyond compare.

The Eurostar train leaves from Waterloo station via the Channel Tunnel
To Paris, France, arriving in three hours time…
You’ll find the train clean, tranquil and sublime. copyright joseph p.martino poet,writer,world traveler

And before you leave – let’s go U.S.A. in the Olympic Games!