"Je Who?" - This Time Paris
She skipped past the building
stepped over a sign "Je Suis
Charlie" - In the clubs she
heard about this "guy" Charlie
She had not packed her soul
on this vacation from thought,
She was not about to capitulate
to a single instant of sad or vaguest
ennui – No, she was no one but
herself -for herself, flipping hair
swishing her hips, shaking off a
slivered-sense of chill in the
predawn light as she walked
streets as she had imagined un-
She had not packed her soul
on this vacation from thought,
She was not about to capitulate
to a single instant of sad or vaguest
ennui – No, she was no one but
herself -for herself, flipping hair
swishing her hips, shaking off a
slivered-sense of chill in the
predawn light as she walked
streets as she had imagined un-
encumbered - She had come
after all to Paris – for fun
not to condemn, generate
after all to Paris – for fun
not to condemn, generate
or navigate even the slimmest
channel of what was "politics"-
channel of what was "politics"-
after all -she shrugs, smiles
in stumbling circles - Turns -
with arms akimbo and sings -
above distant crying voices
“Render unto me only pleasure”-
Slurring-sloppily-her silly
scurrilous self talk - sacrilege
in the site of light from Eiffel
Tower to Arc de Triomphe -
She checks her manicure
refuses to bear witness -
ignores the flecks of blood
on yes her liable hands
that brush glittered glass
and gore as specks of lint
Massages lotion into a tiny
raw spot flaring for an instant
until it is vanished-banished
She is here - after all for fun
in skinny jeans and ballet
flats - a reinvented imitation
Audrey walking celuloid streets
She will be care-free
No price is too great.
Nothing here is her problem
Though she does need to
spray a bit of cologne under her
nose to block the annoying odd
in stumbling circles - Turns -
with arms akimbo and sings -
above distant crying voices
“Render unto me only pleasure”-
Slurring-sloppily-her silly
scurrilous self talk - sacrilege
in the site of light from Eiffel
Tower to Arc de Triomphe -
She checks her manicure
refuses to bear witness -
ignores the flecks of blood
on yes her liable hands
that brush glittered glass
and gore as specks of lint
Massages lotion into a tiny
raw spot flaring for an instant
until it is vanished-banished
She is here - after all for fun
in skinny jeans and ballet
flats - a reinvented imitation
Audrey walking celuloid streets
She will be care-free
No price is too great.
Nothing here is her problem
Though she does need to
spray a bit of cologne under her
nose to block the annoying odd
smell of inky blood
punctuating an end
she will not cede
Her dancing denial.
determined to twirl
For she is in Paris after all -
City of Light -
punctuating an end
she will not cede
Her dancing denial.
determined to twirl
For she is in Paris after all -
City of Light -
and it will shine -
even through
their tears
*
when a poem requires an end-note it has failed
This "vacationer" was intended as a metaphor for mindless self-absorption which is truly horrific.
I have edited this since first writing this morning.
even through
their tears
*
when a poem requires an end-note it has failed
This "vacationer" was intended as a metaphor for mindless self-absorption which is truly horrific.
I have edited this since first writing this morning.
A strong poem in the light of this week's tragedy!
ReplyDeleteOh Mary ... I believe that you read the poem as intended and thank you for your reply. Nevertheless, I edited the poem after posting as my intention to illustrate the chill of indifference and denial and self absorption was obviously not as accessible as I would have liked. Thank you for stopping by and commenting.
DeleteI think indifference, denial and self absorption have been jolted almost out of existence by recent events here. Even "vacationers" and tourists intent on enjoyment could not fail to be moved by the upswell of resolve which is evident in so many ways.
DeleteAlas they shut the light down... And maybe the cologne would never last against the inky blood and shooting.. Maybe even a princess need to see that Paris has changed...
ReplyDeleteYes Bjorn - even a princess needs to see. I have edited the poem after posting as my intention to illustrate the chill of indifference and denial and self absorption was obviously not as accessible as I would have liked. Thank you for stopping by and commenting.
DeleteThis is an interesting perspective, at this particular time. I can see a young person, wanting to pursue what she had traveled to find......an intriguing read, Pearl.
ReplyDeleteOh Sherry - Apologies for any perceived insensitity on a day when hearts break. I realized I and this poem were in trouble when I read your comment.I edited the poem after posting as my intention to illustrate the chill of indifference and denial and self absorption was obviously not as accessible as I would have liked. Hope this comes closer to my thoughts. Thank you for stopping and commenting.
DeleteThe lack was not yours, Pearl, only mine in the reading. Your explanation sent me back to read it again and yes, self-absorption is the problem in today's world, where we are inundated with tragedy. However, what has happened in France has truly impressed me - the solidarity and humanity in its response to tragedy is first class.
DeleteHopefully not too many of those on vacation in Paris this week will have remained immune to what was going on around them and what was/is at stake.
ReplyDeleteOh no! Apologies as I added in a note at the end of the poem - the "vacationer" is meant to be metaphoric for mindless self absorption which is truly horrific
DeleteAs if the city of lights could live without tourism one hour of one day ...and it can, really, the merry-go-round has a hold button. This poem flows so beautifully, though, why did it have to trip over a Charlie?
ReplyDeleteAh Susan - I edited the poem after posting as my intention to illustrate the chill of indifference and denial and self absorption was obviously not as accessible as I would have liked. Thank you for stopping by and commenting.
DeletePowerful and thought-provoking poem, Pearl. History has taught us how dangerous indifference and denial can be.
ReplyDeleteYes, absolutely and that was my point. However, I think it was a bit oblique and have edited a bit so that the point of danger in indifference and denial is more accessible. Thank you Nurit.
DeleteI didn't need the end note. The title gives the context and her stepping over the sign. I loved the Audrey Hepburn reference.❤️
ReplyDeleteFar from a failure Pearl metaphor or not I could clearly picture that young woman making Paris shine for her...that is the best way to tackle terrorism of any kind
ReplyDeleteJae Rose -that is an lovely interpretation and frankly on re-reading it did seem that that was the intent of the poem - however it was not :( ... therefore I have done some editing and think that my intention is a bit more clear this time around. Thank you for stopping by and commenting.
DeleteParis has seen so much in its time, so much more than this shameful act. The city and the French people have emerged stronger every time: What else can you expect from the city of love?
ReplyDeleteYes true, - I did a bit of editing on this one - I think that the focus of the 'mindless vacationer' the compromised soul of an indifferent individual was not as clear as it might have been.
DeleteI could picture her too, and got the message - all the while thankful to know that in the real Paris at present it would be impossible to remain unaware, with those inspiring crowds filling the streets.
ReplyDeleteThank you Rosemary - I did go back and edit this poem so that the reference is stronger. (I believe).
DeleteYes! Nice work.
ReplyDeleteZQ
Aw thank you R.K. - Lovely when you enjoy something that I've written.
DeleteHaving said that... after receiving many comments I did go back and edit the poem after posting as my intention to illustrate the chill of indifference and denial and self absorption was obviously not as accessible as I would have liked. Thank you for stopping by and commenting.
DeleteYes, the edited version, with reference to a little more of what might be happening around her, does I think make your intention clearer. Though the 'inky blood' was always an indication, and a great image in this context.
ReplyDeleteStrong and sad events with the character avoiding them being more than just in Paris. The words are very vivid and draw the reader in.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure why I continue to be shocked when these events happen--but I am. Well written.
ReplyDelete