[Editor’s Note: In the summer of 1963, Culver City’s honorary poetess laureate taught at the Centre Mediterranee in Nice, France. After last week’s single terrorist-sparked massacre, Dr. Hoult composed this work.]
In my mind’s eye
as I walk
along the
Promenade
gentle
breezes
blow palm
branches
so they
sigh and say
“Enjoy
the beauty
that is
Nice.”
In my mind’s eye
as I walk
along the
Promenade
waves
caress
the sand
with soft
whispers
inviting me
to come
run on
the
beach
Now my mind’s eye
is distorted
by images
and sounds
of terror…
of death …
as I walk
along the
Promenade…
So for
Nice
and for
France,
I weep…
Dr. Hoult may be contacted at HOULTight@aol.com
I am sure that someone will point out that the beaches in Nice along the Promenade are made of pebbles and not sand….and they are a bit difficult to walk on, let alone run…..! I suppose that pebbles can be caressed, but the idea of beach sand seemed to work better in the poem. Je vous demande pardonne… that I did not use pebbles…!
Merci bien,
Janet Hoult