on a tuesday
it is emile’s
where the choices
might be as long
as five courses of menu
but emile already knows
the regular table is free
a sign
he hopes
of status accorded
and no mere coincidence
of day to day
restaurant trade
a window seat at a table for two
set for one
is a chance to glance out
at the slowing movement on the street
he likes to watch
the world winding down in the evening
after a handful of banter
behind a flutter of napkin
and the chuckled low pleasure
of wine being poured
emile is gone
and glasses for reading emerge
from a pocket
the latest new scientist
is displayed
with its interesting article on a test
someone conducted
in mexico
to demonstrate that …
…
in a proof that will stand
for once and for all
he nods and approves
~
she approaches
oblique
from the side
says
would he mind
the tables are so full
and she just needs to …
…
she is seated
he hasn’t quite noticed
hasn’t quite spoken
his eyes move from her
to the scientist
to a quick check
of tables vacant
at the rear of the room
then back at her
she swings a sheer-coated leg
that entered his periphery
at an angle to the table
from beneath the sharp pleat
of a dance-skirt
adorned by a red shoe
that is largely heel
and taper
the movement is back and forth
mesmerising
as she talks
some part explanation
some part an appeal
some part referring to the article
he had been reading in the scientist
and some part lost
when she leans forward
in a low cut voice
that insinuates itself
into the air
all around him
~
emile is all tut-tut
with a plate on his arm
waved away
this is no time for eating
then summoned back
she must have food
yes of course
bring another serve
keep the first one hot
his head has begun
he throbs
a little breathless
cannot utter more than a half-word
she speaks in a manner
that amazes
as a headlight might speak
to a rabbit on the road
the meal is consumed
~
he walks home
almost a stagger
his glasses
have remained
at emile’s
all he can think of
is the sound of gunfire
that annoyed him
in a movie last night
until he turned the television off
and the image of a shoe
to and fro
in vivid red
next tuesday
perhaps
he will speak to emile
for the evening was ruined
his solitude broken
she had no right
emile should have prevented
and what was her name
has she been there before
she needs to learn
something of decorum
and perhaps
if he sees her again
at emile’s on a tuesday
he might take the time
to inform her
~
-
Author:
Frank Prem (
Offline) - Published: January 23rd, 2018 00:19
- Comment from author about the poem: Poem 3/18. The attached clip is of 'Tuesday Night at Emile's' being read by Frank on Soundcloud.
- Category: Fable
- Views: 17
Offline)
Comments4
I've not read it - I simply listened - it has got to be one of your best works a stunning listen Frank.
Thank you so much, Michael.
How has your clean up after the storm progressed? I found it hard to comprehend how repairs and fixes might be undertaken to roof damage and the like in such weather ss you have had.
Thanks Frank. The actual storm that caused the problem only lasted about an hour but caused such damage with it\'s raging winds. The damage to my property doesn't look as bad as first envisaged - I live in a small village and we have a great community where almost every trade is represented including a builder who is also a roofing specialist. He's taken a look and will be coming back later in the week to do the necessary repairs. We are covered by insurance but taking excess into account and loss of no-claims discount it might be a toss up as to whether we simply pay ourselves or whether it's worth putting in a formal claim.
Mind you others have not been so lucky and there has been some quite extensive damage to other properties so we count ourselves lucky.
I was so impressed by your poem today I have just penned something in a similar style and might write more in the future - It\'s not up to your standard Frank and it\'s probably one of the quickest I\'ve ever written - so thanks for being so inspirational.
Michael, I'm glad it doesn't look as bad as it might be. Insurance is all so very complicated now - they have us coming and going, both.
As for being inspired, well I think that's just wonderful and the highest of compliments. Thank you and best luck with it.
Very good write, was she there the next Tuesday?
All will be revealed GF. A slow unveiling of the situation.
THANKS FRANK ~ For a perfect tone poem beautifully read with just a hint of OZ. The wording was so so descriptive that I saw and tasted and scented every scenario ~ and (just for the record) the NEW SCIENTIST is the best magazine ever ! More instalments please ~ Yours BRIAN !
Can't argue with the new scientist, Brian. That's final!
Glad you enjoyed. Hope you like the remainder, as well.
Exquisite poem here, Frank! A true beauty, indeed, presented as only you can. Despite its length, it kept me entranced to the end. Kudos!
Thanks Louis. That's great feedback. Can't rush a good story!
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