Salon

Between Bishop and Rook

By: Charles Giuliano - May 05, 2017

Salon

Engraved invitation
Dinner at the chateau
Like another time
So long ago
Centuries perhaps
Yet again
At the last minute
With nothing to wear
End of the table
Filling in for a
Marquis called off to war
Squeezed in between
Parish priest and local poet
Shabby guests
Like me it seems
Such as I am
Somewhat eccentric
Adding a dash of color
To social Siberia
Last night surprised
Moved up a few seats
Between bishop and rook
Across the table
Aspiring politician
Now and then
Interjected with snarky remarks
Caught the gaze
Of our hostess
Elegant and cultured
Daring décolletage
Hushed little puppies
Snuggled in her bosom
Barking for nibbles
Tidbits of conversation
Delicious bon mots
Tossed in all directions
Lacking shape and form
Lively but chaotic
My head aswirl
Giddy as a girl
How we missed Voltaire
Called away it seems
So the countess said
Sucking on sorbet
Essence of raspberry
Between soup and duck
Before salad and cheese
When fate of world
Hung in balance
The general declaimed
Somewhat deranged
Senile it seems from
Shots to his head
Blessed by the bishop
Seeing an opening
Made a lame joke
Not very funny
They all laughed
Sang for my supper
Danse macabre
Gone with the wind
Until grim stranger
Ominous in dark cloth
Solemnly pronounced
End of Ancien Régime
Before mints and brandy
Teetering on oblivion
L'Année dernière à Marienbad