Ilene Bauer Poet Rhyme

In Paris Parks 1954

Today, for thirteen minutes,
It was 1954
And I found myself in Paris,
Mesmerized and wanting more.

Watching people, mostly children,
Interacting in a park
Was a pleasure to observe,
Thanks to a film by Shirley Clarke.

From the clothing (nothing denim!)
To the rides and carousel,
Life was captured in such detail,
By the faces you could tell

That the park was someplace special
Since an ordinary day
Brought so much to each expression
That each person did display.

A puppet show, my favorite part,
Caught joy and fear and glee,
The reactions of the children
Such a privilege to see.

I could have been among them
Had I been a child in France,
But today I was transported;
MOMA* let me have my chance.

*Museum of Modern Art, New York City

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Yann Rolland September 30, 2026 at 4:46 PM interesting poem, i love French cinema and MOMA both, no need to move, thanks poet Ilene for the brilliant poem will remember this one Ilene Bauer October 1, 2026 at 1:19 PM i am so glad you responded to this one, yann! if you get a chance to see this little film, you should do so...