I make highways around her legs
until she shoos me away under the table
where the black and white tiles become streets
and the chairs, giant skyscrapers.
I invent gravity-defying automobiles
that climb up the chair-legs to the seat
and race with dare-devilry around cushioned edges.
My pulse quickens when I hear her
as she hums along to the leather-clad radio
perched on the window sill above the sink;
singing harmonies with Paul McCartney
in a language my four year old ears don’t know.
“Michelle, ma belle,
Sont des mots qui vont tres bien ensemble,
Tres bien ensemble.”
It is the first time I remember being in love.
Comments
Silver Spun Sand | April 7, 2009 - 15:46
Gosh, what memories this evoked for my, Dynamaso. And that song I loved. A lovely poem:-)
Tina
Dynamaso | April 8, 2009 - 01:05
Thanks very much Tina. Every time I hear the song, I am taken back to that first time.
MistakenMagic | April 9, 2009 - 10:43
Well done on a well-deserved cherry Dynamaso! I love the imagery created by this piece - and it's not so long ago that I was annoying my parents by driving my toy cars up the curtains (I was never a 'dolls person'). This is the second poem of yours I've read that includes french - do you have french family? It's good to keep me on my toes as my french a-level speaking exam is coming up ;)
Magic xxx
Dynamaso | April 9, 2009 - 12:12
Magic, thanks very much for your comments. I'm pleased it reminded you of your childhood.
I am not French nor am I of French heritage (third generation Australian of Irish/Scottish extract). But I did do high school French classes many, many years ago. And there is something about the language I've always loved even though I hardly know it.
luigi_pagano | April 9, 2009 - 12:43
Very imaginative, Mark. I would guess it touched a chord with many of my generation. I remember that song quite vividly. Congrats. on the cherry.
Ewan | April 9, 2009 - 14:21
Smashing poem.
Do you perhaps remember something called 'Worldwide Family Favourites', on which radio programme 'Michelle' featured heavily, both by John,Paul,George and Richard and also the Overlanders?
Thanks for a memory.
Ewan
Dynamaso | April 9, 2009 - 15:22
Luigi, thanks a lot. I certainly touched one for me. It is probably, for this reason, why it is still one of my most favourite songs.
Ewan, pleased you like this one, mate. It was quite a treat to write; brought back some good memories. I don't recall the show, though. And while I know who The Overlanders are, I've never heard their version of the song. Any good?
Ewan | April 9, 2009 - 17:11
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkJOmHtk_tA
I think the show was broadcast in the 60's and into the 70's so that people could stay in contact with (British) military personnel stationed overseas AND with family who had ten-pound pommed to Australia. I don't know which radio stations in OZ took the feed and how syndication worked at that time.
Dynamaso | April 10, 2009 - 04:44
It was probably broadcast through ABC radio, our BBC equivalent. I was living in far north Queensland back then, far from any 'big smoke' (city), where the show probably had more relevancy. I do remember we had only one television station. I remember shows like 'Robin Hood' and 'Dr Who', some Aussie shows and and lots of different kids shows. I don't think I took as much notice of the radio as I did television.
Thanks for the link too. I have never heard that version and, while I appreciate the harmonies, much rather the original.
Ewan | April 10, 2009 - 13:46
Oh yes, you're quite right the Fab Four version is much better: it's just an example of what the programme would prefer to play, safer whitewashed versions I suppose.
threeleafshamrock | April 12, 2009 - 13:45
Beautiful and I LOVE THAT SONG! Great take on the radio thing. Paints a lovely picture D. Love it!
Chris
Dynamaso | April 13, 2009 - 00:21
Chris, thanks very much, mate. I believe it is one of the best songs ever, but then with a memory like this, I am probably biased.