ASTRAL TOURIST

“Paradise on Earth “, the Travel Brochures proudly say,

The places seem more idyllic than in actual sight,

Beautiful pictures of them placed in a different light,

Alluring, Inviting, tempting your will to relent, they may.

All the approach routes are easy, they loudly pronounce,

Well connected with transports full of modern consolation,

Unerringly altering your ignorance filled impression ,

Easing you through the passage, your efforts renounced..

They speak of its surroundings and of its wondrous nation,

Its arts, culture, tradition  and impeccable generosity

Warmly appealing you with a remarkable familiarity

To find out for yourself and later to cherish its recollections.

They leave out all the miniscule details, the hidden costs,

Concealing the unpleasant, the open sores and the pain,

The darkness behind the flash-bulb, the brimming drains,

The scenes behind the camera, the monotony, the ghosts.

Nothing reveals the veiled undergrowth nor the range,

Of  thieves and con-men  trying to trick your last note,

The greed lighting up the grey eyes of your amiable host

When you transact with your wallet full of local  change.

What you see is not a fact sheet, 24 x 7,

And Like our real life with all it’s promotional stuff 

You’ve got to take the risk , you’ve “Got’ta call the Bluff”

Me, I’m an Astral Tourist, on a Holiday from Heaven!