A group cohering into a bulging line
seems in danger of popping out members

of the pod    Lucky to be granted a place
they shuffle on in forced acquaintance

Their attempts at the local language
mark them as non-native but guides

provided with the package are familiar
with locals and their ways    Lots of

sites to visit    Bank - a must do
and an eater of time    Off to the shops

The battle with currency meets - impatience    splashes
of clumsy kindness    and a surround of eyes

turned to a shield    Pets Paradise -
and shared delight in kitten play dissolves difference

Ed's whistled serenade is wondered at
but his puppy in the window is

entranced    They kiss through glass
The change in his pocket rattled loud

is not enough    And coaxed he steps in
a stuttering rhythm to the next ...

A stuffed dog rubbing against his face
elicits a tear for its soft quietude    Shopped

till some droop    they are rounded together
Internal shifts confusing head count    One with

authority moves out calling: "Bob    Bob"
His wandering body speaks reluctance

but allows itself to be herded
back to the group huddling tight

Amenities an essential    Not easy
like at the house home located at a convenient distance and

managed for accountability      On to the ordinary
highlight of the excursion    They queue -

a block set in the mannered line of those
born to earn their dues    Aided to order

what accords with custom - coffee
in uneasy cups    cake too

wide    The ending cannot
be negotiable    A straggling

bustle    on to the bus …
Back next week    perpetual

tourists in their own country
Passport stamped    Disability