Views from a roof

' I keep telling her she has the best view in London'

Just words, justification for disorder,

What I see is different,

What I see is beauty,

Shining, glistening in the sunlight,

It's reflection in the puddles left from the overnight rain.

It's metal blades casting a shadow in the midday sun,

A haze in the distance obscuring the landmarks.

What I see isn't materialistic or shallow,

not a status symbol.

What I see is life, cutting edge, vivid, stark, sometimes horrific images,

What I see is a different view everyday.

How am I supposed to be feeling?

lucky? grateful?

What I feel is pride and privilege,

What I feel is different, an opposing view,

a different vision.

I do have the best view in London,

I do have the best view of this strange yet magical world,

- but not because she says I should.

June 2002