A Rainy Day in Bruges

Time for a poem as May ends:

How on the weather much depends

We plan excursions, walks in wood

Or trips to Bruges as good guides should.

 

But crowded trains are not my thing;

Will clouds disperse and sunshine bring?

We travel north like packed sardines

Will Bruges provide us with new dreams?

 

By lovers’ lake*, once busy port

Where oaken ships each day were brought

With exotic merchandise aboard

Hence cost-of-living standards soared!

 

Waffles and chocolate in profusion

Medieval grandeur? An illusion!

But commerce here is kept alive

Tourists help Bruges to survive!

 

 The Maria Kerk stands tall

Though gone is fabled Water Hall**

Where once fine cloth was on display

Herds of tourists stroll today!

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

** once in the market square, demolished in 1787

* Minnewater - Bruges