Moulin Rouge
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Moulin Rouge
The greens and pinks magnetize to my eye
Like flowers abloom in a field espied,
Overwhelming creation’s invention
With beauty of grandiose dimension,
Shifting to the wind’s orchestrated movements
That winks at my soul (agaped by the performance),
To be delighted with the extravaganza presented.
To see the hand relax in the moment,
To take stock and enjoy the portrayal
Of gist and frolic, smell and attitude
Of the energys' projected stimulating
Living display on the cabaret flooring
As Mademoiselle Eglantine’s troupe
Cancan dance in the Moulin Rouge concourse.
The mingling audience spreads for the revue
(As the orchestra sets for the debut),
Though some still engage in conversations
Of gossip, memories, and revelations,
While others’ attentions are directed by the compère’s
Announcement (whose outstretched arm and finger point)
To watch the duo in the middle of the room:
Who kick up their legs with their arms mushrooming
And perform breathtaking splits and cartwheels easily.
Over here—turn—then over there quickly.
The dancers manoeuvre in coordination,
With him tilting his hat and she flashing her pantaloons,
And the heels of their shoes chattering
On the planking. “Une performance brillante!”
I notice the woman in a staunch aspect,
Styled in a French roseate bustle dress
With a boa scarf and hat to complement
(Who looks out of place in this environment),
Gazing downward to convey disapproval,
As if she were witnessing a scandalous interaction,
Or be it an aficionado attending a judicial proceeding.
Expressing disconcertment through her facial expression
For being in this establishment seeing courtesans
With their wealthy patrons who have francs to spare,
Courtesy of the Bourse, enjoying the Parisian nightlife.
Or “cherche son mari” in the gala crowd?
Whereas my heart pulsates with excitement
And rhythmically joins the dancing couple.
***
Notes:
The original Moulin Rouge (Red Mill) cabaret opened in Paris, France, on October 6, 1889, and burned down in 1915. It was rebuilt and reopened in 1921. The Moulin Rouge is considered to be the birthplace of the cancan dance, and Jules Chéret (1836–1932) is known as the father of the modern poster.
1) revue: a form of theatrical entertainment.
2) compère: emcee, announcer.
3) une performance brillante: a brilliant performance.
4) aficionado: connoisseur, expert, pundit.
5) courtesan: prostitute with wealthy or upper-class clients.
6) franc: currency of France until the euro was adopted in 1999.
7) Bourse: French stock exchange.
8) cherche son mari: looking for her husband.
Copyright © Dennis Spilchuk | Year Posted 2024
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