Wheels Within Wheels

By luigi_pagano

Wed, 25 Jan 2023
  • 1199 reads
12 comments
 

I like to write
humorous stuff
but I am also
a cinema buff.

My favourite
foreign film
is an example
of neorealism.

Its story tells
how one feels
to be the owner
of a pair of wheels.

Not very happy,
he has to admit,
to lose his bike,
as a thief stole it.

The vehicle is vital
for his livelihood.
The situation
doesn't look good.

The victim is worried
about his job;
chases the thief,
he's set upon by a mob.

He decides to ignore
his wounded pride
and tries to pinch
another man's ride.

Mayhem ensues
and his frustration
is compounded
by aggravation.

His son, aged nine,
who is by his side,
is full of emotions
he's unable to hide.

It is quite evident
the pair cannot cope;
any chance of revival
is only a forlorn hope.

 

 

© Luigi Pagano 2023

 

 

 

 

Certificate U
Poem
Mutevoli pensieri
Inspiration Point (work that responds to our weekly writing cue)

Comments

Submitted by airyfairy on

The Bicycle Thieves! Fantastic film.

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

So it is, Jane. One of my favourites. Well spotted.

Luigi x

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

I don't know it, Luigi, but sounds as if it highlights the anguish caused by small-time theft. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

It is that and more, Rhiannon. This is how the film has been described: "Vittorio de Sica's 1948 film, The Bicycle Thieves, is one which calls into question if morality is able to exist in a social system wherein there is little to no hope or economic prospects for the people who live with one other".

 

Submitted by forest_for_ever on

I am fascinated byt your synopsis of the film.  It makes me want to watch it.  Thank you Luigi

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

And you can Graham if you want. It is on YouTube with English subtitles. Here is the link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVw2ctnL22M

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

I've never heard of this film either. You've put much thought into the wording in this poem, and the rhythm and rhyme are spot on.

Jenny. xx

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Very kind, Jenny, thank you.

Luigi xx

 

Submitted by marandina on

Not heard of this movie, Luigi. It feels like I have just seen it having read your entertaining spin on it with your customary, elegant rhyme and rhythm. Paul 

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Hi Paul, I refreshed my memory last night by watching this film on youtube.Black and white with amateur actors.  A real classic. Personally, I think the acting by the boy was brilliant.

Best, Luigi

 

Submitted by agnosticnun on

Thank you for bringing this gem to life and my attention, now I need to watch it. Sounds like a question that is still relevant.

Kristi

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Hello Kristi, nice to hear from you. You are right, there are a lot of parallels between the post-war years' events portrayed by this film and the present time situation.

Luigi x