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trinkets lining shelves, tourist fodder a plenty
just waiting to be bought and new home found..
more than likely as a present, or just a reminder
mass produced memory holders of places visited
holidays and fun all contained with the plaster shell
a glance is all that is needed to recall the times
the row of sentimental ornaments glazed and polished
varnish reflecting the experiences held within

sealed in as though placed inside while being made.

holiday makers trudging round the essential route
ensuring they do the expected before heading home
picking up the worthless and crass as presents
all full of bullshit sentiment, all just for show
to make it look like they care for those to receive
the stick of rock that will be licked for a day
before being left in the fridge then thrown away
the kids buying for friends and young loves
spending money to keep the economy ticking along.

behind the scenes people making a living
steady but surely progressing their dreams
as their wares are restocked ready for the new day
the new influx each week of fresh faced tourists
round in circles life trudges on as new purchases made
once a week through the main street as the norm
the lorries pull flatbed trailers for the parade
amusement arcades playing babysitters to the kids
while parents browse, relax and recharge for later
never once questioning who and why the creator
just happy going along with the holiday routine
nothing unusual or different from anyone else
just to sit and tell neighbours, to set the scene.

most will then head for the beach and suntan
inevitably burning as they lay on their towel
the kids playing at burying the young and weak
waiting for tide to come in and cover the interred
never covered in enough or the right cream
nightly lashing of after-sun as they scream
consequences never thought of for both sets
then hindsight is always such a wonderful thing.

before long it is time to head on home
holiday done with, too soon as it goes
never enough time to do all those things
while all the time trying to relax and chill
so pack it all away, suitcases never big enough
sand filled clothes and shoes in plastic bags
knowing it will escape during the traveling
sitting on the cases to squash it all in
zips bulging constraining the overload
waiting to be released when the lying on bed
then the work begins sorting the clothes
finding the trinkets from where they were stowed

then reality strikes as washers go on
ironing board waiting for the now fresh clothes
before you know it, is time to go back to work
when it seems so long ago you were excited for Friday
so you could get ready and depart on the holiday.
looking back was it what you wanted, did it go well
did all the expectation dissolve onto mediocre
or do you feel the effect and refreshed feelings
that you so desperately wanted before going away

it never quite seems to be as good as you thought
and the ornaments seem so drab when in your own home
neighbors smiling as they should, when given the
hastily bought thing, as you nearly forgot them
so "Sod it that will do for them" scenario evolved
you know you will get some worthless junk from them
but it is the thought that counts, must be remembered
the exact price does not matter, just that they thought
they though of those going through routine, of life
and wanted to take the time to remind you of them
no matter where anyone went, the trinkets are the same
just different colours and coatings on shapes of plaster

but they keep the holiday resorts alive
and available for the new influx of people
all ready to browse and handle to wares
visiting the usual tourist places where shops are full of

trinkets lining shelves, tourist fodder a plenty
just waiting to be bought and new home found..

Learn more about this author, Ian Pegg.
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