He,
The one who might
Have been Don
Dressed in rags
Now picks oranges
For a living
Under a subtropical sun
Behind,
The place
He came from
A place where
He says
Power negates destiny
Money lust
Nullifies the purity
Of clemency
A place where
Even the angels
Tote guns
Stashed under
Wings dyed white
Now
Oceans away
His past
Nothing more
Than an irritating
Dream
When asked why
He left
The answer was
Always the same
‘It is no longer
the land it once was’
This is based upon a conversation I had with an aging Italian American who from his manners, courtesy and general bearing was once well-heeled. I shared a table with him outside of a street café in Toulouse a few years back. He was taking a short break in France at the time yet was now domiciled in Southern Italy. A pleasant enough bloke yet one who I detected it would be foolish to cross swords with! The reasons stated here in respect of his permanent departure from the States are, I stress his words not mine.
- MIKE STEEDEN - 
i love the imagery in this. really lovely, Mike
Sincere thanks
No longer the land it once was…oh but what is?
I didn’t like to over quiz the chap for fear of ‘sleeping with the fishes’ so I cannot add much to this!
Oh yeah, perhaps he was best friends with The Most Interesting Man In The World. Do you know who that is? Or is that another one of those things specific to American culture?
‘The Most Interesting Man in the World’! I would surmise he’s not a Brit…on the whole we are not interesting (apart from our mass murderer’s of course)…nope you’ll have to tell me because obviously I now have to know!
No, I believe he’s Mexican or some kind of Latin origin. It’s for the Dos Equis beer commercial and it’s supposed to be all about how bad ass he is. I always wanted to write something like that for myself but it never comes out quite right.
I feel sure young Marissa that you will nail the verse!
Perhaps..or if not some other inspiration will come along…hopefully…soon…before I’m dead and washed up…
Have you the dreaded ‘block’?
Good gracious no. What is that? Do I want to know? Does it have something to do with constipation?
being more than familiar with the type, I would dearly have enjoyed being at table with you both – and I’ve always been smitten by an angel with a gun
He had a certain bitter demeanour made for the movies I think…I’m guessing the US is better for his ilk leaving. Fascinating bloke though.
Reblogged this on HarsH ReaLiTy and commented:
“Even the angels tote guns” I love it. -OM
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Once again your imagery is so potent. Amazing xxx
True story was this one…oh to be in Toulouse right now!
I find this a delicate piece describing a different emerging image
truly potent
My sincere thanks
This reminds me of a recording I once heard of Sicilian folk songs. It was as beautiful and soulful as the blues. I couldn’t get enough of it – until I heard the translation. OMG!! It was like hearing Pavarotti sing, “I’m going to rip out your eyes and stuff them up your ass.”
So long as it wasn’t the other way around…I suspect to stuff his eyes up is arse one would have to cover his nethers in talc and ask him to fart to give one a clue!
Wow, I can see why your conversation with this bloke stuck with you all these years. This is so morose yet brilliantly moving.
I like meeting people in cafes…so much better than days of yore when it used to be pubs. There is always a tale to tell or to listen to! Indeed this very evening we are off to a cafe/restaurant to celebrate the birthday of our new Croatian friend a lovely young lady by the name of Natalija
That sounds so quaint. The atmosphere here doesn’t support such cafes… maybe more in places like NYC. I have a feeling once I visit there, I may never want to leave! Have fun with your celebration! 🙂
A splendid evening in the company of those much younger than me. I think Shirl posted a snap on FB of a box of sweets…a delicacy in Croatia and going by the name of Noblice…it amused me!
I saw that photo. Did you have a good time at dinner?
lovely
Thank you Melanie – truly appreciated
Thanks for the ‘like’on ‘A Magic Window’. Nice blog, Going back to read more!
excellent
My thanks