Nola Perez Poet Free verse

I Love Paul Giamatti

Because for one thing, he's from Brooklyn Heights,
and glares at strangers.  A French guy (Parisian, 
of course) once remarked to me, "You Americans 
are nice to strangers--we are nice to people we know."  
Well, Giamatti subscribes to that, and if anyone 
claims soulful, however pragmatic, it's the French. 

And, for another thing, he (Mr. G) appears chronically 
stressed out.  Sometimes not even Ma-ra-na-tha or 
that old chestnut OM chanted while deep-breathing helps; 
(though, clearly, no breath at all is a sure relaxant).  

My man Giamatti is making a movie about souls. 
He sees the souls of certain celebs as a chickpea, 
an ear of roasted corn, a set of nice whitewall tires, 
a doorknob, a crazy box of crabs, and best one 
of all, a blood orange left on a window sill, dried out 
and leathery.  So, Mr. G, (Palpitation 
of my Heart), What does the soul of a poet 
look like?  I imagine it as the invisible edge of 
the iced-over pond we skate on.

                          Thank you, THE NEW YORKER

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Daver Austin August 13, 2009 at 2:28 PM I remember that fabulous movie he did where he was a wine connoisseur. BIG LOVE, daver

Carolyn Devonshire July 20, 2009 at 5:03 AM This is a great write on many levels, Nola. I am intrigued to learn more about Giamatti and how one goes about making a movie about souls. Like your comparison to the "invisible edge of the iced-over pond" as poets certainly do not seem to run in the normal flow or perspectives. Great work! Love, Carolyn

Denis Joe July 18, 2009 at 2:24 PM I like this. It has a playfulness to it like a happy tune. The poem relies a lot of alliteration and other sounds to help the narrative along. And yet it also has its own unique voice. I find that this poem has a lot that makes it accessible to a non poetic reader whilst there is a newness in its approach.