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L'isle sur la Sorgue

Provincial life is so relaxed.

Sip your coffee, rest by the quiet terrace.

Maybe drink a glass of wine.

Watch the red roof reflect the lightening sun.

 

The river flows on quietly,

no more concerned with industry,

simply catching the essence,

lifting itself to a piece of sky.

 

Who lives in this palatial splendour?

Someone unaware of passing strangers,

an ivory tower in midtown France?

Background of flower baskets and stately iron railings.

 

It’s a scene repeated the world over

but here is something special,

a suggestion of a rich life

hidden behind ornate sash windows:

 

the sky and the blue waters

are equal partners

in this solid collage

of a European nouvelle societé.

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One of five poems written by Charles Jobson in response to paintings at the BEAT (Borough of Ealing Art Trail) exhibit at St John's Church, West Ealing in September 2018. 

The painting is entitled L'isle sur la Sorgue by the artist and © Kumiko Masterton. 

Poem © Charles Jobson. For permission to re-use contact  godfrey@wordsout.co.uk.