SMALL DREAMS
In the video French mourners
wore dark and dignified clothing
to Johnny Hallyday’s funeral
so I decided to buy a grey suit
at the black Friday sales,
knowing my sport coat unworthy
even of French disdain.
And now I’m waiting
for someone I know to die,
so that after the funeral
wives will turn to their husbands
and enthuse over the tailored fit
and the understated elegance
of my new grey suit.
Johnny Hallyday was sometimes called ‘the French Elvis.’ When he died in 2017, nine hundred thousand people lined the streets of Paris to catch a glimpse of his funeral procession. You can see a report on his funeral (and also the well-dressed mourners who inspired me to buy a new suit) in this clip from YouTube here. Jimmy Buffett recorded a wonderful song about Johnny Hallyday – and taking chances – on his final album; give it a listen below.
Subscribe to be notified of new posts by email;
it’s free and your information is never shared.
Leave a comment so I know you were here
and please share this blog with a friend.
A New Poem Every So Often
(No regular schedule right now; life gets in the way)
Joseph Neely, all rights reserved.
The Occasional Poem 
“knowing my sport coat unworthy
even of French disdain” has me laughing out loud. Well put!
LikeLike
I’d say, “I’ll help you out,” but I’d rather see your suit than be informed of the other wives’ comments.
LikeLike
I love this poem! I will look up Johnny!
>
LikeLike
It’s so good to see posts on The Occasional Poem again, even if life does get in the way and make them sporadic. And this one came with musical background!
All the best from Minnesota, where we got about 8″ of snow last night…
John
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love that Linda’s fondness for Jimmy Buffet played a part in this post. 🦜
LikeLike
Hi Joe,
What joy to read your poems and musings. You speak from your heart and with sentiments we all can relate. I love the pictures! We miss you guys and love you so much.
Hugs to you and Linda.
Love,
Peggy
LikeLike