Play It Again, Sam

...a nod to Casablanca and love

Play it Again, Sam

 

 

 

You were my first love.

Like the black and white version

of Casablanca,
there was nothing better.

I overlooked your imperfections

of leaving towels  on the bathroom floor

and shaving gel on the pedestal sink

…and the Merlot stain

that discreetly laid beneath

the potted philodendron,
from the night we christened every room

of our brownstone apartment
when you said you had to have me
“right then and there.”

Like the black and white version

of Casablanca,

the fog imminently clears

and my heart instinctively rewinds

to the melodrama of you and me

 

 

 “…play it again, Sam”

Author's Note

I wanted to write something in keeping with the Hollywood classic feel to it. I have another coming after this one, sure to entertain!

Reviews

[Fabian G. Franklin]

I so enjoy the old film noir whether it's Bogie and Bacall or Hepburn and Tracy, it matters very little to me. The romance and the story are often staggered with inconsistency. Such is life and art imitating life. Take The African Queen for example, that was Bogart and Hepburn. Hatred and intolerant disgust for each other slowly built to respect and love...it's not often that happens in life but if does often go the other direction with failed expectations. I enjoyed the read, my friend. I had to dig around in your heirlooms to find this treasure but it was worth climbing the ladder to look in the attic. Great stuff.

[Kelly Scheppers]

The heirlooms are getting a bit dusty, I think. I take a stroll through them every now and then...like visiting an old friend. Speaking of Hollywood icons, I read that Joan Crawford and Bette Davis despised each other. Now there's two women you wouldn't want to rub the wrong way! Thank you, Fabian!

[Fabian G. Franklin]

Wow. That's really interesting. I'd have to pull for Bette Davis in the cat fight. When Kim Carnes wrote "Bette Davis Eyes" in 1981 the aging movie star actually called her on the phone to thank her for making her famous again, this time in the eyes of her grandchildren.

[Kelly Scheppers]

That's still a pretty cool song. Love the raspy quality in Kim's voice.

[W. Barrett Munn]

Here’s looking at you, kid.There you are at Rick’s Americana while I’m at the Blue Parrot. Oh, well, a sigh is still a sigh.

Winston

[Kelly Scheppers]

I love it! Thanks so much, Winston!

[willweb]

Two of my favorites, your poem and the movie. I just watched this again over the holidays along with The Maltese Falcon. Your poem captures that feel, that vibe, it has all of the romance and desire these old films feature. Cool is not only a word but a feeling and your poem has everything that cool is.
Now of you don't mind, maybe check out a very old one of mine. I tried to write it while channeling my inner Bogart or Spillane. Here is the link, if it works. https://www.writerscafe.org/writing/Willweb/1478160/?&p=3
And if not, oh well.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you, Will. I would love to read your inner Bogart. Just give me the title, and I'll be happy to check it out.

[willweb]

The title is: "She is what love is" To make it easier for you, it is either on page 7 or 19 of my profile list of poems. The page 19 version is the better of the two in my opinion. Hope you find it and enjoy it.

[Caroline B A Maguire]

This poem has brought back so many memories of teenage years avidly watching every Bogart film on TV. Though I have to admit "The African Queen" has always been my favourite..in saying that I love Casablanca and I can grasp how you associate it with your first love.. the film I always associate with my first love is "Dirty dancing" a modern day classic too methinks..thank you Kelly for the stroll down memory lane.. I greatly enjoyed this..Caroline 🙂

[Kelly Scheppers]

I simply love the "noir" appeal of the movie. It's hard to beat a black and white classic. Thanks so much, Caroline!

[T.S. Ulmus]

Any poet that can use the word "philodendron" in a craft of words deserves a nod. Though I have to note that the phrase "play it again Sam" never actually occurs in casa blanca, those words are never spoke. Still, a delightful poem, I believe that you captured the mood you were seeking.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you, T.S. My green thumb and I are most appreciative!

[Delmar Cooper]

My favorite movie for so many reasons, now has one more. Thanks for sharing.

[Kelly Scheppers]

So sweet. Thank you, Delmar!

[Jym]

Ahh, Casablanca. Who can forget Bogart and Bergman! And that song, "you must remember this, a kiss is just a kiss, a sigh is just a sigh . . ." Nice poem, and nice comparison; "there was nothing better."

[Kelly Scheppers]

I get so excited whenever I garnish a new reader. Thank you so much, Jym...and welcome to the Cafe!

[Jym]

Thanks, Kelly. I plan to post something soon.

[Kesch (Finding Julia)]

Play it again Sam, love that part, Kinda like saying "Do it to me one more time" kinda thing.
Awesome write.

[Kelly Scheppers]

...thank you, Kesch!

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Ahhh, Casablanca, Bogie and Bacall- that’s LOVE! “The melodrama of you and me”- so perfect Kelly. Love the noir, love the memories...‘Play it again Sam.” ...and again and again... Great write!

[Kelly Scheppers]

It's such a classic. I always watch it whenever TCM plays it, no matter how many times I've seen it. Thank you, Annette!

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

"Where I’m going, you can’t follow. What I’ve got to do, you can’t be any part of." It seems like first loves always end like thus. The first, the sweetest and deepest.

[Kelly Scheppers]

The first is truly the sweetest...and the deepest of all. Thank you, Linda. So wonderful to have your presence here!