When in France
Janine Canan
When in France, put your elbows
on the table and order with heart, my dear.
Look at all the lovely lively people
chatting over a kir.
When in France, sink your fork
into leeks dripping heaven.
As the waiter gazes into your third eye,
savor the flavor and sigh.
When in France, indulge your beauty--
a small scarf, a silken vest,
some whirling gold earrings.
Your naked joie de vivre will suffice.
When in France, let your hair down,
bend eye to sparkling eye.
Let your feelings snap and soar
like a kite rising in the wind.
When in France, sing your desire
with your entire choir.
A mousse a l'amour
will send your coloratura even higher.
When in France, stay longer than you can.
Lay your fortune on the wheel,
and let this incarnation sweeten
like a fat pink carnation.
