This is the very first of my "Barry Hodges' Memories" poems.*
People think that Amsterdam is an exciting city,
Full of life, full of fun, full of cheap beer and drugs
And easy to buy thrilling ******* **** films galore.
But there is another side to this Dutch metropolis
Believe me, I know, I have been there, squire,
And I have seen it in all its drug-filled horror.
I was there one balmy eve, just off the Leidseplein,
With my older brother, a kind and gentle man
(although physically not very pretty),
When a gang of Surinamese youths,
Sky-high on crack *******, or whatever filth,
Attacked us, mugged us, use what words you wish,
It doesn't matter, the result was the same.
And they left him lying there in the gutter,
His skull cracked and seriously brain-damaged,
And for what, I hear a myriad voices query,
Well only a few hundred lousy over-valued Euros.
He dragged out a miserable half-alive existence,
For a few Hellish months in the city hospital;
Dear God, I shall not be going to Amsterdam again
(with or without a Dutch cap, may I add tentatively).
As a result of intense praise from many people, I have been encouraged to write a whole series of poems about my memories of various cities. You will be interested to learn that I posted this poem on another poetry website and received some most sympathetic comments. I reproduce the comments below so you may see how some good and simple people have been moved by my words:
"American papers are filled with such gruesome events, as well. It is a violent world we live in. Blessed are we to have a safe haven to meet with like minded people and share our words in such a positive way. I am sorry for the terrible loss of your brother." (from an American reader, 28/11/2007)
"A terrible tale indeed Barry, and I extend my sympathies to you on the fate of your brother. However, I do not think this sort of thing is confined to Amsterdam - you have only to read the English papers to see similar events occuring daily in this country." (from an English reader, 28/11/2007)
"Painful and emotive memories Barry, and still some argue for legalising drugs, I think not." (from a pompous old ****, 28/11/2007)