Ennui (Repost)

...inspired by 'A Cooking Egg' by T.S. Eliot

 
Ronaldo sprawled in luxury
across from where the spaniel lay,
pretending to read Mallarme
and yawning, stuck in Chapter One.

The Grandfather ticked ponderously,
there was no other sound in sight
except dear Josephine who plonked
and murdered dear Stravinsky's Rite.

Boredom was the day's absorption
with the National Election,
who shall be our next Great Leader?
pray not a hopeless interceder!

Clementine declared, 'the weather
seems to be a bit inclement,
what shall I wear to Blanche's soiree,
burgundy, or pearly grey?'

Ronaldo trifled with religion,
'Heaven doesn't need a poet
who maligns the Holy Spirit,
I am going straight to Hell,

where I'll meet Lucrezia Borgia,
who will toy with my affections, 
feed me fabulous confections,
as she plots my second death.

Nobility has late escaped me,
suburbanites are out to scold me,
gentle is as gentle does
is not the same as it once was.

We're outcasts in a sea of trouble,
cucumber sandwiches and quince
have disappeared in all the rubble,
what of pomp and circumstance?'
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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Devonshire Avatar
May 9, 2009 at 10:28 PM
Fitting tribute to Eliot, Keith. Really like the image of the grandfather clocking ticking away as Josephine "murders" Stravinsky's Rite. Lots of compelling, upper-crust images. You create quite a mood that can be much appreciated by "outcasts in a sea of trouble." Very nice! Love, Carolyn
Shango Avatar
May 8, 2009 at 10:49 AM
I agree with David ... did he miss the whiff of sarcasm used to destroy the popm and circumstance ... that was not served to the eyes ... it is the clever suggestion in each structure of words ... it is the wrapped in the beautiful glimmer of genius. Praises, keith, the league is all yours.
Smalling Avatar
May 8, 2009 at 7:02 AM
Powerful closure in the last stanza ... felt the class distinctions through ... the High culture references tied the theme together well ... a faultless write ... you have the honored distinction to master words and plot by spinning them into gold ... love it!
Richards Avatar
May 8, 2009 at 5:57 AM
Brilliantly written....So English Novel.....I loved this enjoyable poem, and felt as if I were sitting in that stuffy parlor.....around l950...love love it...so Eliot!
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