Responses to Shanghai Parks

I went to People's Park and am not entirely sure it's the renamed Zhaofong park--there are many large parks with water features in Shanghai.

In response to Zhaofong Park

The swirl and noise inside People's Park,
Paved paths for moving around.
Manicured selected trees laced with green,
Murky dribbling water dull with disuse.*
Dropping red leaf strewn sidewalks, littered.
Crowded brown occupied benches, smoky.
At sunset the gates will shut:
This visiting guest's expectations are left disappointed.

*There was a dried up waterfall structure in the park that made me think perhaps this was Zhaofong since in my grandfather's notes to his poem, there seemed to be a waterfall in it.





In response to Waitan Park, No 2.

High rise digital flashing showoff spectacular dazzle
Ferries and barges move steadily, wakes flatten crud.
Gray promenade, hand machines**, selfie spots.
Many people excitedly sit, listening to the chattering tourists.

**the literal translation for cell phone in Chinese is hand machine. I used the term to parallel 'handrail' used in my grandfather's poem.