ENNUI

1....
The aging blind man at the florist's
Recalls his vision, his statue'd youth

Here, the sensation of scent
Is a meadow of heartache
When days were alive as a bouquet
Excited to go see his love

Alas when sight was fragrant...

He carries lilies out the door
Old and blind
A man holding memories
Of bright befores...

Alas when sight was fragrant.

Reviews

[barleygirl]

Quite honestly, I'm not getting "ennui" in your message, but I really love the way this symbolizes how a person can lose sight (or some other previously-taken-for-granted life skill/talent/ability) . . . then some other senses or abilities take over for the missing aspect. I love contrasts in writing, so your final line is really powerful & thought-provoking to me.

[Butch Decatoria]

Discontent. This old blind man has bought lilies to take to his dead wife's grave, and has planned to join her ("excited to go see his love") He's feeling low, although the flowers and memories of his younger self may presume differently, the nostalgia and his listlessness and present discontentment is leading him to an end that will remove the last sense that is strongest, scent (and memories). He's offing himself basically.

Thank you for reading and query, hope I made it a bit more understandable and clear. Poetry often times is painting between lines which are not so obvious, and few can see.

Thanks again. much appreciated.

[barleygirl]

When I read "ennui", I think: "boredom" . . . your subject may be listless & feeling discontent, but there's far too much intensity here, for this to feel like a state of boredom. Thank you for taking the time to explain. I like the poem just as much before, as after, your explanations! (((HUGS)))

[Butch Decatoria]

to be bored of life so much so that you would murder it?

you're welcome. ciao.

[Pryde Foltz]

He carries lilies out the door
Old and blind
A man holding memories
Of bright befores...

A beautiful write ... if only we could see what lies right before us:)

[Willard Wells]

Beautiful words of love and how the memories are held even when sight is gone. Well done.

[Butch Decatoria]

Thanks so much, much appreciated.

[jesserose99]

fragrant sight...how original..i love it. Beautiful to describe a man and his lost days of old.

[jesserose99]

also, is that a jack Russell I see in your picture..i have one too if it is. they are mighty smart and sweet!

[Butch Decatoria]

Thank you for stopping by to read and kind review. and yes, it is a Parsons Jack Russell, my baby boy Mojo, Mr. Mojo Risin'...

[Calamityofgin]

Awe! This piece has no ennuinity as far as appeal or its tres fantastiques..but an aprapos title if there ever was..it made me very curious.

Alas when sight was fragrant...

What a gorgeous and working metaphor...! 🌹
A blind man getting a taste of his sight through floral fragrance..and a bit meloncholic for the loss
Of it...perfect

Curious about the 1? Not poo.pooing it in the least..interested me...will there be a 2?

At any rate..analogues. Procédé rose .to my senses..this poem was.

Much love and respect
Calamity of Jenn ifer

[Butch Decatoria]

There is a second Ennui ... a part deux in my collective of work here in the café, a different stylistic piece about a woman this time.... I will place it for readers asap... thank you for kind review.

[Calamityofgin]

Wonderful! Shall read it tomorrow.

[Carol Phelan Aebby]

This is a beautiful write. Lilies have a very strong scent and for a blind person they must be a tidal wave of loveliness. Very light with a strong impact!

With respect and smiles,
Carol Phelan Aebby

[Butch Decatoria]

Thank you so much for your kind review.

[Matching Socks]

Aww, this really tugs at my heart.
Beautiful poetry.

[Butch Decatoria]

Always appreciated, thank you thank you

[Ed Hart]

such excellent words, the blindness made bright through the eyes of the poet...the very meaning of poetry...thank you for making me nod yes this morning

[Butch Decatoria]

Thank you for reading and kind review. Much appreciated.