Byron is home to eccentric eclectics
where loaded* European backpackers
can get in the groove, learn to surf
with a plethora of alternatives
yoga, vegan, whale watching
tree hugging muso’s* gather
their children feral
they pretend to be poor
denouncing family wealth
until it suits them to demand
a top up of funds to live
the alternative hippy life
where movie stars own the pub
their mansions in the scrub
where all dance to a different beat
shun society and laws
mix their metaphors
some povos* are tolerated
draped in a shroud
they mix a fake blend
of each latest trend
seldom authentic or real
they bop along lost in zeal
the area a natural paradise
they try to outdo each other
in who can drop out the most
blinded to the stunning coast
an alternatives wasteland
where some visit to watch
weirdness in this twilight zone
they blend this and that
where authenticity lacks
no traceable foundation
no inhibitions no taboos
it’s all in your face
as they embrace
any current trend
blatant hypocrisy
as they mould it
to suit their own ends
manipulating where it weaves
let’s plant wholesome seeds …
loaded = wealthy
muso’s = musicians
povo’s = poor people
this poem was inspired by the ‘colour’ d’Verse prompt and a visit from one of the above groups after I enquired about local hospice care. This charity visited with their brochure rather than post them out! Seems they seldom get clients but do manage to raise a lot of funds …
aroused 
An odd mix. As long as one can spot the difference and perhaps keep a wide birth?
I had watched some home shows of expat communities. Those folks though tried to blend in rather than demand things be the same as those place they had left…
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A rare thought process
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It is the same all over – seems a fad to do the minimal lifestyle and yet the bank account is anything but living on the edge…
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Where is humaneness in that way of life ?
Love ❤
Michel
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An excellent beat to a sad duplicity.
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Ahh.. great place for a holiday Kate… great beach, grand hotels, and groovy music venues… but 2 weeks was enough..
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Sad. Sounds like a nature-beautiful place made ugly and unpure by some HumanBeans.
I’ve met some wealthy people who want “all of us” to do things to improve the environment, but they have several homes, many cars, fly private jets, wear leather, give little to no money to charities, etc. 😦
Important poem, Kate!
HUGS!!! 🙂
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Beautiful place! Stunning capture… the story in your words – makes one think as always!
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Unfortunately not. I did not go to Bryon Bay. When I last visited, I stayed mostly at Tweed Heads, straddled between Queensland and NSW, Big pineapple and surfers. I should visit there next time when I can visit. Looks lovely. I suppose it is different than Kangaroo Island?
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