The Other Man is Always French (page 38-40)
by Richard Peabody from Buoyancy and Other Myths (my review)
The other woman can be a blonde or a redhead but the other man is always French. He dresses better than I ever will. He can picnic and stroll with a wineglass in one upraised hand. Munch pate, drink espresso, and tempt with ashy kisses. He hangs out at Dupont Circle because the trees remind him of Paris. Did I mention sex? Face it-- he's had centuries of practice. I'm an American. What do I know? He drives a fast car, and can brood like nobody's business, while I sit home watching ESPN. He's tall and chats about art-- I don't even want to discuss that accent. He's Mr. Attitude. My fantasy is to call the State Department and have him deported. Only he'll probably convince you to marry him for a green card. No way I'm going to win-- the other man is always more aggressive, always more attentive. The other man is just too French for words. From now on I'm going out with statuesque German women so next time we run into each other they can kick his butt for me.
As part of the 115th Virtual Poetry Circle, I’d like to welcome you and hope you will read the above poem more than once.
I find reading poems out loud is helpful in understanding what they are talking about.
Remember, this is just for fun and is not meant to be stressful.
Molly Peacock’s books are a great resource about how to examine a poem. She suggests selecting a line, a stanza, sentences, and images and look at the poem in pieces.
I’m looking to you to describe what you like or don’t like; and offer an opinion. If you missed my review of Peacock’s book, check it out here.
Also, sign up for the 2011 Fearless Poetry Reading Challenge because its simple; you only need to read 1 book of poetry.
Please contribute to the growing list of 2011 Indie Lit Award Poetry Suggestions (NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN through Dec. 31, 2011) and visit the stops on the National Poetry Month Blog Tour from April.
Above all, have fun and join the discussion.