SPLATTER ON A HILLSIDE

art, music, Paris

High upon a steep hillside

in the Montmartre corner of Paris

artists wield their master strokes

feverish gyrations of pencils, charcoal, brushes

quick to sketch or paint whoever will pay

eyes flutter from face to pad

to capture a true mood

within frenzied minutes

a distinct caricature evolves

In another corner of Montmartre

sounds of jazz, the beat

a man, shelters from chaos

performs with rapid fingers on his clarinet

in his disguise: a dark red beret, sunglasses, blue shirt

music populates a small square and a tree shaded park

metal cup by his side, listeners toss coins

Masterful trends echo in distant places

artists of all trades congregate

like a firework expose

colors fly, whip, splatter

music hops, skips, flows

but when dusk closes in

they pack up for the night

Author's Note

This poem is my memory

Reviews

[alanwgraham]

Brilliant Betty. You've caught the creativity of that place. I've been in Paris and in Montmartre a few times and there is something special and it's more than just cashing in on their illustrious forbears. I've just been watching a film on Miles Davis life and it covers his spell in Paris when he was treated as an equal by the likes of Sartre - and he was! I think your final verse is special.
All the best,
Alan

[Betty Hermelee]

Than you Alan, much appreciated as always
Fondly, Betty

[barleygirl]

WOW! WOW! And WOW! This is the best poem of yours I've read so far, but I know you're only headed up, up, up. This is the perfect union of your base style -- literal -- and your more recent forays into telling a story thru imagery & imagination. This is so lively with the use of dynamic verbs & ones that sound like they are: "splatter" . . . The title made me click on this first when facing my long list of 45 read requests today. The poem delivers all promised & much more. This is the heart of fresh writing (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Betty Hermelee]

That was an amazing comment, somehow it kept evolving kind of like my artwork...thanks, B

[Dave Brown]

I doubt I will ever see all that but your vivid description did as good as being there

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks for that lovely review! Best, Betty

[R.E. Ray]

You word-paint vividly, Betty. The imagery is spectacular, the music as alive as the artists’ hands and eyes. Last two verses are my favorite. Best to you.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks so much for the lovely review, stay safe!

[R.E. Ray]

You're welcome.

[John the Baptist]

Very descriptive piece about a colorful enclave in Paris. Every city should have such a place.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks John , I really appreciate your review!

[Fabian G. Franklin]

I just love groups of artists, musicians and creative people. This was lovely. It reminds one of what a Bohemian scene Paris and Greenwich Village in New York used to be or New Orleans for that matter. Very much enjoyed.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks Fabian for reviewing my poem!!! I used to see this chaotic scene (real life) for many years!!! loved it!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

fantastic....line five, it should be "whoever"
but wow, a collage of artists all in one place...and various types which exposes the truth...not just painters are artists...writers, musicians, singers...all have their place.
Oh to spend an entire day on this hillside.
such a lovely surprise this poem...when I saw the title...I was in a dark theater watching a scary movie.
I am glad it is what it is, instead.
:)

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks so much for you great review!! (I'll change the grammar) Fondly, Betty