Taking tea on the Spanish Steps
In the shadow of Shelley and Keats;
An English oasis under a Roman sun
Lace tablecloth, doilies and Sunday best.
As we gorge on hot buttered scones,
Strawberry jam and fresh whipped cream;
Hurriedly furled beach umbrellas
And shredded scarves on sticks
Bob down abruptly below the wall.
Guests turn from their unknowing guide
To ponder if this elegant couple
Are from the catwalk or TV.
But no celebrities to see here.
Just a couple of English tourists
Enjoying a birthday treat.
Curiosity extinguished,
The inattentive guests scuttle
To their TikTok shorts
And Instagram selfies.
I pour another pot of Babington blend
And scoop up the remaining crumbs
Of my salmon and cucumber sandwich.
While a group of Korean millennials
Fresh from a Via Condotti safari,
Flaunt and parade purchases from
Prada, Gucci and Versace.
More tea, your Holiness?
Tony Quarrington 