Paris, My Love

I dream of words, so precise and unique, that can describe a crunching leaf or a grain of sand so well, you can recognize it when you see it. Words that are so specific, they can only apply to a single splash of rain, and preserve it within their letters always, capture the sensation of each droplet that pecks at my skin as the heavens weep for the aching beauty of Paris. 

I don't mean the Paris strangers seek at the top of the Eiffel Tower, but the Paris one stumbles upon in a tiny old apartment hidden in the corners of the city, the Paris that shies away from the crowds of the day and peeks out in the dead of the night. Surrounded by worn edges of yellowing paper, and wearied walls that have become moist with humanity's sighs, I can feel the fading past clinging to the present. I can feel the rage of war as I walk the beaches of Normandy, the chaos of creativity as I stroll through the chambers of the Louvre. I can hear the whispers of history in every crack in the concrete and every rustle of the leaves.

Sitting on the balcony, hidden by the darkness of the cloudy sky, the bittersweet cold, the light spray of rain and the soft soothing winds tickle my face, and the quiet is the most beautiful sound I've ever heard. For a moment, I can feel the life that has passed by this place in an infinite number of minutes and hours and days. I can see the scars time has left in old Paris, and I can feel God's voice vibrate through the immortal city. And I swear, for a moment, I am utterly and unequivocally happy. 

Reviews

[Carl Halling]

What a stunning, beautifully written literary homage, Judy, a prose poem as I see it forged out of love for the greatest and most adored city of recent times, I love it; and it perfectly captures - with the richest and most gorgeous imagery - the mysterious and it seems more often than not lifelong love that Paris inspires in some. It certainly has me, and it delights me to read of my most beloved city celebrated here so exquisitely.

[Judy Basmaji]

Wow, that is perhaps one of the most motivational reviews I've received so far! I don't know what it is about Paris; it seems to enchant many people. Thank you soo much! :D

[Carl Halling]

My pleasure, Judy.

[Knightingale]

I love this. I spent some time in Paris myself for a tutorship. I spent the last two years in France, but most of it was on the island of Corsica, a far cry from the winding streets of Paris. You describe it well. Its the Paris I remember. I miss it, I won't lie. I only just moved back to the States a few days ago. I hate to bother you but I would be honored if you'd read some of my work. Notably my story Journal Entry 1 and You Helped Me Breathe.

[Knightingale]

Are you a Parisian? I was just curious, because of how well you described the place.

[Judy Basmaji]

I've only been twice with my family for a few days at a time, some of the happiest days of my life. I intend to visit again and hopefully for a year or so next time. Paris just got to me and I don't believe any other place in the world will ever have the same effect it had. I'm glad you liked it and I would love to read your work, it's no bother at all =D Thank you!

[Knightingale]

It was my pleasure. France in general is amazing. I travelled quite a lot before I ended up in France. I never stayed very long anywhere else. But in France...well, I spent two years there lol

[Judy Basmaji]

Oh no, I'm not Parisian which is why, I suppose, I am so enchanted by Paris. Wow two years :o I hope my time will come someday soon :)

[Knightingale]

You have to just seize it. Yeah I had plenty of moments where I wasn't sure what I was going to do, but I think that's part of the excitement lol