Paris ~ 1970
Imagine a smoke-crammed bar, a seedy dive set off the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Paris. The odor of catnip hung closely within the air. Tipsy Nip Organic Catnip? Probably. “Made in Vermont, but obtainable in Paris,” you muse to your self. Wait, be careful. Look sharp! -the sport is afoot.
The waitress slowly approaches. In a slinky voice coloured with too many cigarillos and weary with disappointment, she stated “Que sera-ce, monsieur?” The phrases dripped disdain. In all the bars of the world, you walked into hers. And she had higher issues to do than cater to….un chat américain. Such is life.
(“Something Blue” by the Paul Horn Quintet performed within the background. It suited your melancholic temper as you casually shifted your disinterested gaze her approach. She was taller than you first imagined her to be.)
With a shrug, you reply, “San Pellegrino please. One baguette. Lightly toasted. I am Franklin, The Most Interesting Cat In The World.”
She sauntered off in an insouciant method. She knew you knew she might care much less. Ah, the night time was younger, no? Perhaps it held the promise of…what? Rendezvous?
This, like so many scenes of life, can be performed out slowly, rigorously. One transfer at a time. She had performed her opening gambit, and also you responded with cautious aplomb. Whatever occurred- there can be no regrets for Franklin this night time. Pas du tout.
~Post Script~
Johanna W. writes: “I have a collection of black and white movie pictures I took of my cat Frankie that make me giggle, thought you may like them in your website. He is completely posing and making an attempt to look critical and mysterious, however I doubt there’s something happening in his thoughts… he’s a sweetie however not the brightest penny within the fountain.”
Filed underneath: Uncategorized Tagged: Cats, We’ll always have Paris 
Leave a Reply