Arthur Vaso Poet Light Verse

The Red Rose of the Moulin Rouge

I awaken; the darkened skies my alarm clock
I reek of whiskey, scotch and pastis
Tumbling out of bed, I reach for a cigarette
The dusk harkens as I rise to ply my trade

I am embodied inside a one room flat
The nightlife and the ladies both coming to life
Out the window I see the windmill so famous in red 
Ladies with offers, men with drinks, the recipe for lust

I am the mime of the Moulin Rouge
I ready myself with my white painted face
Tonight another performance or so it seems
I shall juggle my knifes, with my many sad faces

Up up up in the air, one, two, three
Knifes in a whirlwind of iconic display
Around and around like the Moulin Rouge
I perform, toss and catch to applause

My sad face bows in graceful acknowledgement 
As they toss their lose coins my way
If they see fit to fill my container of misery
I make for them my spectacular encore

I take a knife, a long black sharp blade
Tossed 12 feet in the air, dancing its way back down
As it slices the stem of a red rose in my hand
I now hand a pretty girl a cut rose

The ladies of the evening smile
They see I too traded romance for coin
How sad it is, this Moulin Rouge of dreams
Eleven more roses, and I shall earn my keep

Or so the ladies in red believe
I, on the other hand, will be changing the last act
I am tired of rent and being rented and rented cloth
I shall perform the ultimate act finale ce soir

Selecting the sharpest set of long fine knifes
Lighting them with orange flame, the juggling act begins
My audience enthralled, once again
Wondering maybe does he ever miss?

I never miss, I never shall, this is a certainty
The knifes a glow in fire, lighting the nighttime sky, 
Tossed high, I lie down fast, tossed a rose in the air
A Knife as usual cut the rose stem

One, two, three, the knifes enter my heart
The blood will warm the falling rose
As it gently falls upon my silent chest
I die with a smile, yes my final act a success
The rose so tender upon my breast








Breathless all, Gay Paris has died once more








I never miss
Yet, I miss you

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James Fraser October 31, 2014 at 10:23 AM Deep & Dark Arthur, well worth the visit to your page, James :) Arthur Vaso October 31, 2014 at 5:28 PM Thank you very much James, much appreciated.

John Rey Canon July 28, 2014 at 1:43 AM I felt the misery in the heart. It's ironic. LOVELY. Can you give a first hand interpretation of this poem. thank you. Arthur Vaso July 28, 2014 at 9:48 AM Just my wild imagination, from wandering the streets of Paris. Thanks John

Jessica Thompson May 24, 2014 at 11:17 PM This was such a good write and I enjoyed reading it. TFS Take Care, Jess Arthur Vaso July 28, 2014 at 9:49 AM Thanks Jessica, much appreciated!

Keith O.J. Hunt May 22, 2014 at 2:08 PM A masterpiece Arthur! Faving this! Arthur Vaso May 23, 2014 at 10:07 PM Thanks Keith, coming from a master like you, a real compliment! Haven t been here as much these days, hope to do some reading this weekend! Cheers!

Gina Montalbo May 17, 2014 at 11:57 AM Very well written loved it very much...... Gina.... You took my breath away..... Smiles Arthur Vaso May 23, 2014 at 10:06 PM I did ? Oh la la !!!

Lucilla Carrillo May 15, 2014 at 11:39 PM This is AWESOME. Your performance was great. I was enjoying it very much, but at the end---- I cried. This will go to my favs. ...Lucilla Arthur Vaso May 23, 2014 at 10:06 PM Thank you Lucilla!! :)

A.E. Rivenbark May 12, 2014 at 4:21 PM Stunning poem, I always enjoy reading your works and this is no exception. Arthur Vaso May 23, 2014 at 10:05 PM Thank you yet again A.E I really appreciate it!

Mel Merrill May 12, 2014 at 2:31 AM Excellent write Arthur. Wonderful detail and imagery...an enjoyable read. Good job, cobba. Too right :) ...mel Arthur Vaso May 23, 2014 at 9:58 PM Cheers, thanks alot Mel

Jake Ponce May 11, 2014 at 7:56 PM You're a poetic powerhouse, Arthur. You are your own genre and you define yourself time and again with every poem you make. Arthur Vaso May 11, 2014 at 8:29 PM Can I frame your comment Jake? Thanks! :)

Nette Onclaud May 11, 2014 at 1:15 PM a mix of emotion that makes this piece a rare and sensitive one, arthur.. this is awesome... huggs Arthur Vaso May 11, 2014 at 8:28 PM You are too kind, hugs right back!!

Tim Smith May 11, 2014 at 10:10 AM Well my friend you penned an absolutely marvelous story...This one didn't miss Arthur Vaso May 11, 2014 at 8:27 PM Thanks Tim glad you dropped by.

Carolyn Devonshire May 11, 2014 at 7:52 AM Dear Arthur, Quite a compelling poem filled with angst, lust and despair. Engaging in sex with an unknown lady of the night is truly as dangerous as juggling knives. The last two lines are words of wisdom that I'll not forget. But before you die with a smile, "Voulez-vous couchez avec moi, ce soir?" Awesome! Love, Carolyn Arthur Vaso May 11, 2014 at 8:26 PM Oui :) Thanks so much for reading, much appreciated!

Mustapha Mohammed May 11, 2014 at 3:29 AM This grand work Arthur. Congrats on a super job. : ) Arthur Vaso May 11, 2014 at 8:25 PM Thank you for your kind words!

Olive Eloisa Guillermo - Fraser May 11, 2014 at 2:01 AM The last stanza...... Cruel passionate death............ The plot I like........ Olive eloisa GBU Art..:) Arthur Vaso May 11, 2014 at 8:25 PM Thank you kindly

Eileen Manassian May 11, 2014 at 12:09 AM Absolutely superb! What a story.... What am ending. .. What talent you have, Arthur! Wow! Arthur Vaso May 11, 2014 at 12:17 AM Now it is you that showers me with compliments, I had my doubts, but posted it anyways! Thanks so much!