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Sister Cities |
Roma and Los Angeles could be sister cities.
They both have a coliseum.
In Rome spectators roared for the lions.
In L.A. they cheered for the Rams.
When a Roman citizen held his thumb up
that meant “Let the gladiator live.”
In L.A., holding a thumb up means
“I like your wheels.”
Most popular vehicles in Rome have two wheels;
thousands of scooters take up parking spaces.
In L.A., four wheels still rule the road including:
Fords, Broncos, Toyotas, Skate boards and blades,
Hummers, and SUVs that take up two parking spots.
Stickers on Roman scooters say Green Peace
and Fur is Dead.
L.A. bumper stickers say Green Peace
and I Brake for Whales.
Rome produced Sophia Loren.
Hollywood produced Marilyn Monroe.
When an L.A. surfer sees the Sistine Chapel ceiling
he says “Awesome!”
When a Roman soccer player sees the Hollywood sign
He says, “Bella, bella!”
Rome has Citta Del Vaticano and the Pope.
L.A. has the Magic Kingdom and Walt Disney.
In Rome we eat panini and pasta.
In L.A. it’s tacos and beans.
I could have written this poem after a trip
to the Olive Garden.
copyright 2006
Wanda
Vanhoy Smith |
