LA FETE

inequaiity

 

Engorged shopping trolleys

fat turkey leg protrudes

smoked ham upside down

roast beef poses regal style

the more the festal

 

Holiday seasons impart laughter, cheer

to some, it’s the color of ink blue, isolation

and “triste” to others

 

Are we too consumed to wallow

In our glory and satiation

to consider our brothers

who bear naught?

“rien a manger”

“rien a feter”

 

Time hobbles for those who merely

note the bedrock in life

bundle up

“rester au chaud”

but where?

a primitive regard

let them snatch a cot

“avant de geler”

time suffers along

 

Back to the soirees

glittery gowns

champagne corks

gifts galore

gold trinkets rain down on slim fingers

High heels wobble

on glass floors

lips caress in the shadow of the moon

strapless gowns show off goose bumps in the frigid

 

Time sprints in the upper crust

and lasts into early purple dawn

with blissful souses

 

“Pas un souci dans le monde”

(Not a care in the world)

 

 

Author's Note

Please excuse the red lines
Translation: TRISTE= Sadness; RIEN A MANGER= Nothing to eat;RIEN A FETER= nothing to celebrate; RESTER AU CHAUD= keep warm; AVANT DE GELER= before you freeze;
PAS UN SOUCI DANS LE MONDE= Not a care in the world

Reviews

[William Michael Reeves]

This was quite a pie of words and ideas. I love the fact that you did some translation in your notes. I took the 'time hobbles ...' line to mean those who aren't excited by life are watching rocks grow. I liked that whole stanza a lot. Some of us are not consumed and do care for our brother. This is a thought provoking poem. Thanks for serving it up!

[willweb]

Sadly, there will always be those who "have" and those who "have not" and I understand the direction of your poem but I would like to add, often the "have nots", are much happier than the "haves" I found this to be very creative and well presented.

[Betty Hermelee]

you're correct Will, but this is just to emphasize the "have not's whose pain is irreparable during the holidays.... Thank you for your thoughtful review!
Best, B

[jacob erin-cilberto]

when we have little or no family left, holidays become more of a chore to get through than a joy.
We just pray to get through them unscathed.
j.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you J for your insightful review!
Best, B

[John the Baptist]

Unfortunately, in the current phase of our evolution, there will always be haves and have nots. Of course, ironically, there are those who seem to have it all, yet who are nonetheless unhappy. In many ways, it's a question of perspective.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you John for your very relevant review!
Best, B

[Dave Brown]

Nicely done
There will be that many more cold and weary, sorry souls this year that are faced just with the task of survival

[Betty Hermelee]

Absolutely Dave! And,,, thank you for a heartfelt review!
BESTB

[Patricia Wedel]

Betty dear… tears where Immigrant Children and Innocence Abide… giving Shelter and food with Warmth is something our Government is spending Millions to do… even though their own Countries could have helped in the same way in most Situations; however; our President thinks He is a Modern-day Robin Hood… Amen

[Betty Hermelee]

I agree dear Pat.... nevertheless it's quite upsetting...
truly, B

[Patricia Wedel]

Betty dear… it is indeed unsettling when our Insane Leaders have done so much Damage to our Country. It was only a few Hurricanes ago that our Country was Solvent… now we are using Pretend Money and still giving it away like Sand on the Shore of Nevermore. We Pray for Miracles. tenderly, Pat

[Betty Hermelee]

We do!!! only if you believe in them...
Best, B

[Gee]

Hmmmm, many will spend a cold, hungry Christmas whilst the majority will eat, drink be merry without a care in the world, perhaps tossing a coin at a homeless person to make them feel good.about themselves
This gets you to thinking

[Betty Hermelee]

yes, especially around the holidays!!!
Thank you dear Gee for your review!
Best to you,
B.

[AJNJ]

Very nicely described. Nothing that goes on in this world leaves other parts unaffected. It will be interesting to see how long the party lasts.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you A.J. for stopping by, much appreciated..
Best, B

[James Paranormal]

So melancholy, interestingly structured, and envisioned in a way that invokes feeling. Delightfully sad.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you for your thoughtful review, much appreciated.
Best, B

[Coyote Poetry]

Made me work on this one dear Betty. I liked the addition of the French language. The poetry is a visional poem. I had to take apart. Left me with odd visions. Thank you dear friend for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you dear john …. I put the French in to emphasize the strong points….thanks for readingread moreThank you dear john …. I put the French in to emphasize the strong points….thanks for reading
Much appreciated!
Best B

[Coyote Poetry]

I enjoyed the poem dear Betty and you are welcome.