it’s a clear-out-the-fridge picnic

cold vegetable fries, two beers, hummus, and the last of the peaches

all on the floor covering the parquet

last dregs of light falling through the windows

the sounds of Paris rushing on the street

Goodbye

46 rue saint placide

thank you for being

home

46 rue saint placide

a 20 minute walk from Montparnasse

and if you walk fast, around the corner from 27 rue fleurus

you had lunches of laughter at your table

art in your reflections

candles glowing in the night by the mirror

poems typed on the desk by the window

sitting next to the old clock

wondering

wandering

through your rooms

through paris

searching for home

and you were home

too

the violin danced out the window

of 46 rue saint placide

people stopping in the street

finding, suddenly

la beauté dans le quotidien

elle est jeune artiste!!! she cried

lowering down

a

red

plastic

bucket

hanging from an extension cord

elle est rêveuse!!!

we laughed

unsure

what to think of this brazen declaration

lowering down hopes and dreams

affirmed by one kind man

in the form of 50 euros

the violin danced and its song

followed them on their way

sending them off with joy

Three poems for a momentous occasion: Hope is moving homes! I came to make some portraits of her in this empty space, void of personal belongings. Her lovely violinist friend, Kaelaiah, gave an impromptu concert out the window, captivating the passer-by. A truly magical half hour as we played, typed, and clicked away. The only proper way to remember it is in poem.

Photos on Portra 400, pushed to 3200; Nikon F100.

Hope’s Search for Home