Promenade

Poem with commentary and travel notes (audio)

Photo by Piermario Eva on Unsplash

Commentary on Promenade

Poem Audio

Sad clown at the Promenade

didn't get what he thought he made.

At least he made some kids smile

and bystanders stay for a little while.

Putting on a happy face in Santa Monica

isn't always what it's cracked up to be.

In the clown's proximity

is an old man with a mic and harmonica

jammin' as if he were back on Beale

hummin' and hollerin' "Lucille".

But what people jammed in his tip jar

won't get him too far.

Down further is a daughter-father duo

belting and providing the strum

to "Comfortably Numb".

He lets her shine and steal the show.

Where they'll sleep tonight, they don't know

but they just go with the flow.

Benching myself by dinosaur shrubs,

I enjoy the hubbub

of the show-bees

workin' hard for drops of honey.

Without the real money,

they won't make it in show biz.

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Travel Notes:

Despite a bad turn economically with several stores having to close over the few years, 3rd Street Promenade is worth a visit for general shopping.

Practice common sense when visiting the Promenade. Be on the alert for pick-pocket, especially in the evening. However, I would say that it is generally safe to visit with a good presence of police and vigilance to have a secure feeling.

See which establishments are here (current listing):
Official Third Street Promenade site

3rd Street Promenade Walk Video via Tube (2023)
My favorite stop along the way: Stefano’s Pizzeria, Santa Monica

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