(symbol.crash)
She has strolled the
twenty yards among
the desperate Italians
who sleep on fine couches
beneath that crummy hotel
over Washington Square.
The wind as a Southern Storm
lifts her up to the land of
wildflowers and Irish seascapes.
Flemish belles wring
A clarion call!
An armistice! And
Felique is alone on a
subway that goes
nowhere.
As surely as the clock ticks,
Just as surely there is a way
to escape the Village—
But for Felique, whose anguish
has never been televised
And whose skirts are off the rack
There is no escape to money
and romance.
This poem was first posted in March 2015
Poem and Image Rob Goldstein (c) 2015 All Rights Reserved
This is vividly atmospheric. At first I thought it was Trina in the image. Is Felique a character (or an alternate) with whom I’m not acquainted? I believe you’ve mentioned having a Felicity character too. Regardless, this is quite well done, Rob. Hugs!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Felique is a character in a series of short story/poems loosely based on the 1981 film, Clash of the Titans. Her Lover is Marcy Bloomingdale of Queens, New York. One day Marcy wakes up to find Felique gone. A hag appears in Marcy’s bathroom mirror to reveal she is really Persephone, ex-wife of Hades. The Hag tells Marcy that Hades took Felique to the underworld. The story is kind of weird.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The image is particularly lovely. I like the angle and the rain.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve always liked this image too, Teagan. I took this shot in 2015, before Linden Labs improved avatar technology. It’s easier to take photos like these with the new technology. I just re-read the story. Trina is introduced at the end.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your every line was a story within a story and finale line superbly summed up the overall feeling of the poem. well done Robert
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Ivor. I first drafted this in the 1980’s when I was studying French Symbolism. I wanted to replicate sound and rhythm of a poem translated from French to English.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A powerful poem, revealing the anguish of a woman , freedom crossroads of power and male dominance!. Great share, Robert 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! When I wrote it I was trying to imitate the rhythm of the symbolism poetry of Rimbaud. I’m glad you liked it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh wow!
LikeLike
Not sure I understand the “deception” connection. Maybe that depends on where the story goes. Or maybe I need to see the film. But I think you absolutely surprise and hook the reader with “no escape to money and romance.” Who hasn’t yearned to escape to that?. ❤
LikeLike
Hi, interesting post.. I like a lot, and plan to explore your blog more thoroughly some point soon because I sense there will be lots of hidden gems here. I’m writing because I just hit 100 followers, and you are one of those, so I just wanted to say a massive THANK YOU for supporting and following me. It means a lot. The book is coming along nicely, and I am hoping to continue to increase my web presence, so any advice or help would be gratefully appreciated. Thanks again, and I hope to hear more from you in the future! 🙂
LikeLike
Impressive!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike