In the restaurant, it’s just the waiter and I;
While outside the window
Vehicles speed by.
“There are a lot of beautiful women outside today,”
He remarks by way
Of conversation.

I drink
My wine and think
About this nation
On whose empire the sun would never set.
Kipling may regret;
Yet,
The sun continues to shine
And there is curry
And wine,
Whilst in the street
Multiracial feet
Hurry along
Beating out a more or less harmonious song.

—

“Kipling May Regret” can be found in my “Selected Poems”, which is available in paperback or as a Kindle download https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07WW8WXPP/