Jamboree

Jamboree

Young catholic people from far-flung places are arriving
in Lisbon, plain young boys and girls looking sober smiling
and waving to the camera.

Dressed in jeans and T. shirts that say something about peace
no hint of rebellion here, and no drugs needed as they are filled
with the holy spirit.

No uppity youth here, no green hair  no torn jeans showing
knees and thighs, and no placard protesting against
the rotten government, the rainbow banner is banned.

In Portugal this is a big deal, people are jubilant fireworks
rock music at the center of Cascais and much beer is drunk
The Pope has promised to pay the country a visit.

It is so nice to see young people in the park when one of them
strum a guitar and they sing a Christian hymn; I walk home
and think what's wrong with me, why do I find this so boring?