Marilyn Monroe Reading James Joyce

Cherry

By luigi_pagano

Sat, 20 Jun 2009
  • 10254 reads
25 comments
 

Marylyn.jpg (24.84 KB)

When I chanced upon
the sober snapshot
of Marilyn reading
James Joyce,
she was not
the Hollywood icon
who starred in films
such as ‘Some Like It Hot’
but the girl next door.

I was in awe when I saw
the book of her choice
as ‘Ulysses’ is thought
to be quite complex.
Is she intrigued by Bloom’s
obsession with sex,
his visit to a brothel,
or the mutual climax
with Gerty McDowell?

What does Norma Jeane
think of the writer,
is he obscene
and therefore a blighter?
The look on her face
betrays no emotion,
there is no trace
of shock and horror;
just appreciation.

© Luigi Pagano 2009

Certificate 15
Poem
Cherry ripe
Other Fiction

Comments

Submitted by Ewan on
Norma Jeane or Jean? Marylyn or Marilyn?

Author Page at the 'Zon
 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on
Good point Ewan. It should definitely be Marilyn and shall endeavour to change it. The other, according to various sites I googled, is Jeane although I admit it sounds odd.

 

Submitted by sarah wilson on
Loved this! I looked at the picture first and your words were perfect. Nice cherry:) Sarah x

Submitted by luigi_pagano on
Thanks Sarah. I agree: it is nice to be awarded a cherry. I have been trying hard to reach the 40 mark but haven't succeeded yet. Luigi x

 

Submitted by whiskey on
Great stuff! My only nit-picks are the same as Ewan's.

Submitted by luigi_pagano on
Cheers whiskey. See my reply to Ewan. Oddly enough the spellchecker accepted the 'Marylyn'. Many thanks for your comment.

 

Submitted by Ewan on
You're quite right, Luigi, Norma Jean is probably due to the mis-spelling in Elton John's lyrics to Candle in the Wind (the proper version). It does look weird though. :-) Good poem, this one. Ewan

Author Page at the 'Zon
 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on
Quite a compliment, coming from you Ewan. A boost to my morale. Thanks.

 

Submitted by Bradene on
Nice one Luigi, Not sure my version will go down too well with you guys, but it's what came to me first. My second effort is more of a true account of her reaction to Joyce and Ulysses in particular. Don't know if I dare post it here(-;. Congrats on the cherry BTW Val x

Submitted by luigi_pagano on
Cheers Val. I thought I'd try this on these pages to test the waters. It seems to have gone down quite well. As for the challenge it will be up to our arty friend to decide. Nice of you to comment. Luigi xx

 

Submitted by chuck on
Nice work luigi. And a great picture. Congratulations also to Marilyn for getting to the end or did she just skip to Molly's matutinal ruminations?

Submitted by luigi_pagano on
Give her the benefit of the doubt, chuck. From her rapt expression I would say that she didn't miss a single word. Besides, being married to Arthur Miller and with an IQ of 168 (thanks to Bradene for this information) she can't have been the dizzy blonde that many people assumed her to be.

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
It has all been said, Luigi. Just fantastic;-) Tina xxx

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on
Nice to hear from you, Tina. Every now and then something clicks. Very satisfying when it happens. My thanks to you for your comment. Luigi xxx

 

Submitted by sunshine on
Questions which I'm sure have occurred to many of us when we've come across this photograph = and nicely phrased here. Congrats on the cherry. Margot

Submitted by luigi_pagano on
Thanks Margot. Interesting photograph, don't you think? So different from the glamourous poses so widely circulated. Luigi x

 

Submitted by ashb on
I was with Chuck on noting which section she's reading, and I think she looks a bit, "what is this guy on?" (Probably in a good way.) But I enjoyed the piece even before I looked at the picture. thanks Ashb

ashb

Submitted by luigi_pagano on
Thanks for the comment ashb. Glad you enjoyed the piece. Unfortunately we shall never know whether she was puzzled by the novel's plot or if she skipped any pages. She looks genuinely interested but she could be employing her acting skills.

 

Submitted by Jupiter on

Submitted by luigi_pagano on
Hello Jupiter. Your comment seems to have been lost in transit. Cheers.

 

Submitted by littleditty on
Cool response poem Luigi. I found that challenge too difficult - she looks exactly like an ex! xxx

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on
Nice to hear from you Nicky. I find it hard to believe that a challenge would defeat you. Much obliged for your comment. Luigi xxx

 

Submitted by DraxB on
very good

Submitted by luigi_pagano on
Many thanks, DraxB.

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on
Fascinating! The last I heard was that Merlin was working as a wizard.