La Vie Coûteuse D'un Dandy

Many of the Congo Dandies live in poverty, but maintain the appearance of wealth through the way they dress; traditionally, only the most expensive designers are acceptable.

tip toeing fresh J.M. Weston's on a dirt floor
sleeps on a foam mattress, does he dream of more
staring through Gucci shades, his vision couldn't be clearer
double checks the length of a fitted suit in a broken mirror

exiting a shack and feeling like he's made of magic
flashes a Rolex, flipping his wrist for the practice
strutting through a penniless town, the onlookers pack in rows
scolding or praising the extravagance of the fool's new clothes

in a symphony of pastel colors, they descend on Brazzaville
La Sape*- name brand bullies and they've come dressed to kill
the war of expense, fought with foreign designers in hand
he proves supreme... conductor, leading his audacious, blind band

the designer King of the have-nots
unpopped Givenchy tags are his scepter
poverty stricken streets are his to trot
and on an empty stomach, who'd do better

o' sapuer*, dazzlingly dripping with the finest of things
do tread carefully near the pit that self destruction brings

Author's Note

*La Sape is an abbreviation of Society of Ambiance-Makers and Elegant People.
*sapuer- members of La Sape or participants of the culture, they are often called dandies.

Thank you for reading... your critiques are welcome.

Captcha: overfine... lol

Photo credit to: whatsgoodofficial.com

Reviews

[Chris]

Such a strong and visceral piece... like I was looking through a window and watching life...

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you for such a humbling review. Your time and words are greatly appreciated.

[Lyn Anderson]

What a beautiful piece. Your writing, while maintaining its character and timbre, has grown and expanded into something quite unique, nary a judgment and yet, an objective social commentary in a very appealing package. Bravo. Nice to read you again

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank for such moving words... the cafe is full of inspiring talent, each with a lesson to teach. I look forward to catching up on your recent works.

[Crowley]

Whew...you are giving everyone a run for their money with writing like this. What a great dichotomy presented in flawless description. There is no contempt, just an understanding. And there has to be that kind of understanding, a man is a man no matter where he is from. "double checks the length of the fitted suit in a broken mirror." I can tell you now that even though my means are different, I do some of these things as well, if we don't, we give in to the fact that we are nothing, and that makes it hard to dream. Absolutely mesmerizing.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

That's a very honest perspective... and I agree. I think we're all a bit guilty of this kinda behavior to some degree or another. Your compliment on my ability is supremely humbling... the talent here is outstanding, and I'm just happy to be keeping up.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

wow, this is fantastic...

and i love theme, at least the one i see in this...it does not really take money to feel rich in heart and in spirit...
whatever we dress ourselves in on the outside , the richness is within...how we feel about ourselves, not how others view us.
j.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

"The richness is within." Well said... and completely accurate. The capitalist mentality makes that a difficult truth to deliver. We too often judge a man by what he owns. Thank you for such a supportive review.

[Coyote Poetry]

New world. Cell phone and clothing.
"the designer King of the have-nots
unpopped Givenchy tags are his scepter
poverty stricken streets are his to trot
and on an empty stomach, who'd do better "
Here in the USA. The same. A high class cell phone and no money for food. A foolish world we live in. Always a pleasure to read your work Travis.
Coyote

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

A foolish world indeed... the importance we place on material things will always confuse me. It's always a pleasure to receive your sincere words, good friend.

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree my friend. A wild world.