The novelty of it all
Something for nothing
After busting yourself for years
The satisfaction of getting
Something back wears off
Your patience wears thin as
Boredom absorbs all ambitions
The novel lies unrealised
The lust for new language and adventure
Lost
Nothing will come of nothing
Empty.
Fatigue.
Wasted time.
Begets begets begotten
Surviving but not living.

Sitting alone, but in the company of culture
Smiling.
The throbbing crowds
The chatter and clatter of cutlery.
Here amongst his own kind
Eager tourists.
Content in their unspoken bond.
But once in a while,
A couple leans over, American.
They break the vow of blissful silence.
Navigating the tricky meander of
Polite but broken conversation.
They share stories of sites,
Experiences,
Imparting knowledge and tips.
The Kellner comes with his meal.
He whips out his tourist guide,
‘Is that beef?’
The Kellner trembles as he struggles
For the word and
He quickly tugs the arm of another
For an explanation.
The tourist points to his book
‘Is it that?’
The Kellner agrees.
This compromise satisfies all
We all continue on our merry way.
The Tourist with his meal and book
The clatter and chatter continue.