The Secrets of Punchinello

Cherry

By luigi_pagano

Sun, 16 Jun 2019
  • 4294 reads
8 comments
 

There are certain things
of which no one speaks
as D notices were issued
yet there have been leaks.

Matters were so hush-hush
that one had to keep mum
but if secrets are revealed
it is a different outcome.

When they are widespread
by one indiscreet fellow
they become what's called
the secrets of Punchinello.

It only takes one person
to say “in strict confidence”
for information to go viral
with alarming consequence.
 

© Luigi Pagano 2019

 

 

 

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Inspiration Point (work that responds to our weekly writing cue)

Comments

Submitted by Insertponceyfre... on

Very interesting as well as a good choice for the IP Luigi. I'd never heard the phrase so went to wikipedia after reading this - also interesting to see the variations on the name!

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Thanks for the feedback and cherries, insert.
I knew that phrase because we have a similar one in Italy and I heard that France has a variation of it.

Luigi x

 

 

Submitted by forest_for_ever on

I am always impressed with your work and this poem is no different.  I always learn something and now I know of Punchinello's Secret.  Thank you for teaching me again my dear friend.

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Very kind to say so, Graham, but we all learn from each other and reading one another's work is one way of exchanging knowledge.
I see that we both mentioned security in our poems for this week's I.P. although we varied our approach, you mentioning secretiveness and I talking of open secrets.
I too appreciate your work, which I always read, even though I may not comment.

Best, Luigi

 

 

Submitted by airyfairy on

I'm another one who's learned something!  I knew the character but not the 'secrets' saying.  It's a great phrase.  Very enjoyable, Luigi.

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Thanks Jane, I appreciate you stopping by.

Luigi x

 

Submitted by Di_Hard on

this reminded me of Humphrey in Yes Minister, when he wanted everyone to believe something? A few well placed top secret whispers and bingo. I didn't know there was a phrase for it, and looked it up, too? One site (from Naples) had a picture of a friendly Punchinello in a bowler hat very different from the scary mr Punch he became in England.

Another erudite poem Luigi :0)

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

I used to like old Humphrey. He was so devious in his political machinations that he would resort to leak secrets to colleagues in order to influence the policies he favoured.
Pulcinella (Punch), a character of the Commedia dell' Arte together with Arlequin, Columbine and others, was also an ambivalent individual sometimes acting as a master and as a servant sucking up to his superiors at other times. He underwent a complete transformation when adapted for the puppet shows on English beaches. 
Many thanks for your appreciation, Di.

Luigi x