BookTalk.org

My grandson is 15 years old and desires to be a film director. Last winter he became familiar with this poem (in French class?) and was very taken with it. He decided to film it. He used two class mates as the actors and borrowed the equipment from their town's film center which he is involved with. This will be a voice over.

Is this poem familiar to poetry forum members here?


Breakfast

He poured the coffee
Into the cup
He poured the milk
Into the cup of coffee
He added the sugar
To the coffee and milk
He stirred it
With a teaspoon
He drank the coffee
And put back the cup
Without speaking to me
He lit a cigarette
He blew some rings
With the smoke
He flicked the ashes
Into the ashtray
Without speaking to me
Without looking at me
He got up
He put his hat
On his head
He put on
His raincoat
Because it was raining
He went out
Into the rain
Without a word
Without looking at me
And I
I took my head
In my hands
And I wept

Jacques Prevert

I remember that we spent some time analyzing the poem. Is it husband and wife? could it be two Men? What is the issue between the two characters? Is one a masochist and the other a sadist? Is there any legitimate reason for such disdain? Is it just the same old same old between any two lovers? How do others interpret it?

I would like to think my grandson is deep and psychologically inclined but frankly I think it is the imagery of the cigarette that appeals to him!