Remember those old movies in which a man courted a lady by reading poetry to her? Well heaven help the man who tries to woo me with poetry, because I won't have a clue as to what he is reading to me. You see, I have no aptitude whatsoever for poetry. Although I always did well in English class, it was poetry that threw a wrench into things, eliciting a "Say what?" from me.
Fortunately, I recently found a collection of poems that I actually understand. Written by novelist Louise de Vilmorin, seen above, and titled "Aux Quatre Coins de Paris" (translated to "Paris Poems"), these poems were published in Vogue magazine (the British edition, I believe) sometime in the 1930s. They are gay, light-hearted, and stylish with their references to the Ritz and Maxim's and just the kind of poems with which to the end the week. Each brief poem was accompanied by a charming illustration, and I have included them below, each above its corresponding verse.
Perhaps these poetic nuggets might inspire you to try your hand at poetry. Personally, they make me want to check-in to the Ritz.
Descending these three steps
In elegant procession
Can make a great impression
While international chatter passes
Among the midday cocktail glasses
This is a funny street
No snow, or rain, or sleet
Thus say the poodles and the dachs
Whining for the jewelled collars
That cost too many dollars
The Statue of Liberty only offers you a light
But I, by trade a dairy made, just might,
Tempt you with a bargain
Next Saturday
When I stray
From my Milky Way
To the Market of Fleas
So come and see me please
Reflected between the lamps
Set in the mirrors' glint
Are fashions for you to follow
Good sense to take the hint
Aux Quatre Coins de Paris by Louise de Vilmorin; translation by Peter Coats; Drawings by Maurice van Moppès