Frere Jacques

Frere Jacques





Are you sleeping up there in

the stone parapet in which

you spend your time writing

letters and showing how you

can trip the light fantastic


with no one watching. You, 

where you retreat to listen

to music. To read your books 

and with wine dream, 

like Miniver Cheevy, of the

days of roses. 


Do you think of me? My

perfume you were so fond

of.  Oh, how I adored you!


I am not allowed to climb

the steps to your so private

sanctuary.  The locked door

reminds me of your pledge

to God to leave me and the

child.  


We are not yours, not anymore. 

You with your hunched shoulders

crying "That is not all, that is

not it at all." 


Your dead heroes replace me.

I should have gone away before

I knew you loved me.  But how

could I?  I will tomorrow shows

me a new place to hide away


Think of me when you are

inside with your plans and dreams., 

and I am on the outside scrolling

across the long years in which

I am stranded 


in. 



Caroline Shank

4.29.20 










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