I went to Paris again to pick-up my new passport. Since it was supposed to be a long weekend for me (Two days before the trip, our teacher changed his schedule and I had to skip class because of this trip), I decided to stay over the weekend with my friend.
She has been living in Paris for a few months now and used to work in the tourism industry so she showed me to places I’ve never been to. We went to see the Opera Museum and Galeries Lafayette but the most memorable place we went to was the Shakespeare and Company bookstore.
It was a quaint two-story bookstore along the Seine river in the 5th arrondissement. Honestly, I got so excited when I saw pre-loved books outside the store and eventually bought 3 books before I left. It felt so good to be in a bookstore filled with old and new English and French books. I couldn’t stop smiling and be amazed at the whole bookstore. I wanted to take photos but unfortunately, it wasn’t allowed.
We went to the second floor and saw there was a gathering in one of their rooms. At first, we were just hovering in the doorway but the hostess, Panmelys, a Welsh poet and a painter residing in Paris, invited us to join in the tea party. We decided to stay and listen to her stories and poems. She also encourages people to share their own poems or their favorite poems.
The tea party was almost done and Panmelys was asking if there was someone who wanted to be the last poet of the night. So I gathered all of my courage, with the help of my friend, and volunteered to be the last poet.
Before that day, I have never shared my poems with anyone for a very long time now and I rarely write poems. It felt liberating to share something so personal that happened a long time ago. It was the first time in 5 years that I shared that poem, with strangers even. After my reading, my friend was shocked that I used to write and even told me that she had goosebumps. The hostess and another writer who was there said it was a great poem and encouraged me to continue writing and not to worry about not being able to write right away but just letting the words flow.
It felt so good to be surrounded by artists again, after living in France for more than 14 months now. And I think it’s a good idea to continue writing and I will share it on the blog soon. For now, here is the poem that I shared called The Unknown. (A little background of the poem: I wrote this about 5 years ago, at a time when I lost someone I cared about and felt lost.)
The heaviness of my eyes
starts to fall on the floor.
Dragging my mind to the depths
of the unknown.
Seeking a hint of light
out of the nothingness.
I blink, once, nothing.
I blink, twice, still nothing.
The emptiness of the unknown
is starting to sink in.
Dragging me deeper
And deeper in this endless tunnel.
Depression is starting to cover me
with its huge bare hands.
Grasping on my arms
like a tightrope, twisting and pulling.
Choking me, inhaling
everything out of me,
or what’s left of me, that is.
Out of breath, panting.
He’s letting me go, for now,
leaving me with all these scars,
and letting me venture alone
in this torturous endless path.
But I know he’ll come back for me,
torturing me once again
with his mighty hands,
and leaving me, finally, a lifeless corpse.
Jane I am so extremely proud of you 🙂 When Gloria and I first met you, you were quite timid and shy. Now it seems that you’re still a bit shy but more courageous to show a bit of yourself. As your friend, I couldn’t be any more proud!
It may be a rough road, specially away from home, surrounded by strangers, but I promise… keep sharing bits and pieces of who you are with all of us, not only will it inspire us, but it will enrich you!
Slow clap for this Jane! We miss you!
Diego & Gloria Guzman
Thank you guys! That means a lot to me. <3 I miss you both! See you soon somewhere.
Feeling nostalgic reading your post and looking at your photos. I’ve only been once but I love it so much! Definitely need to go back again and explore moreee 😍
Come back! There is more to see in Paris than the Eiffel tower LOL
Keep indulging in poetry, Jane! France is one of my top destinations because I love decadent hot chocolate, French philosophy, accordion music, and French film. I started learning French by myself 2 weeks ago while traveling around Canada. It’s wonderful that you’ve been living in France for more than 14 months. What do you do for a living, if I may ask?
I’m actually just a student here in France. 😅
Your writing makes me want to go to Paris. Poem is great, colorful photos.
Thanks Dex!
The poem is just so lovely. And I guess so was your time that evening. I can understand that feeling of being surrounded by artists. As I am a writer and a painter as well. I breathe art, and feel so overwhelmed when in the company of fellow artists!
Thank you Neha! It has been a long time since I was surrounded by artists, so that night was truly extraordinary for me. 🙂
I envy that you can go to Paris very easily. Or for the nth time. Coming from Asia, going there is just super pricey. It’s everyone’s ultimate dream to go on a Euro trip — including myself. Hope someday I find myself in this city of lovers and artists
Never let that dream go, Sam. In time, you will make it here <3
fantastic poem. Paris is indeed all time popular destination and so much to explore.
Thank you, Varsha!
Hi Jane,
I’m so envious of your trip to Paris. That place has been in my bucketlist since my youth. Thanks for posting such nice photos of the place.
More power to your blog.
I bet your French has improved a lot now. God Paris, my dream destination. There’s just something about it that I find to be so alluring. It’s nice to see off-the-beaten paths places there in this post of yours. It’s always interesting for me to get a local point of view on travel posts.
The tea party sounds so interesting, like one of the things I’d definitely join. And if I were there I’d probably share one or two of my own poems haha…
That’s a lovely poem dear. I am glad that you shared it and they are right, do continue writing them.
I think my French is deteriorating HAHA been with English speakers for the past six months, that it’s starting to lose touch with it.
Aww, thanks, Marge. Maybe I should continue 😉
The pictures of the bookstore look extremely gorgeous and I must say that you are very lucky to have had the chance to visit Paris several times.Your poems are so deep and beautiful.I say you must consider publishing them
I’ve never been in Paris but the Shakespeare bookstore has been on my list since I was in college! I heard they sell awesome books! I have a good friend who visits there yearly.
I never about the Shakespeare bookstore before this! But I will surely come back soon.