Zapruder's Reel

Kennedy Assassination.

I was there filming young Jack Kennedy,

taking my movie near a grassy knoll.

Little did I know how famous I’d be.

Along the road people lined up to see;

hail to the president a noble goal.

I was there filming young Jack Kennedy.

The motorcade passed with alacrity;

I saw how stately the limousines roll.

Little did I know how famous I’d be.

The path of bullets was open and free;

grisly and bloody the cranium hole.

I was there filming young Jack Kennedy.

Jacqueline turned to an agent in plea;

he jumped right in without need of cajole.

Little did I know how famous I’d be.

Lost was my balance at this tragedy;

this senseless killing exacted a toll.

I was there filming young Jack Kennedy;

little did I know how famous I’d be.

19 Lines (Villanelle)

Abraham Zapruder (May 15, 1905 " August 30, 1970) was an American manufacturer of women's clothing best known for his home movie documenting the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963.

Reviews

[Kelly Scheppers]

A most stirring read, Richard. All these years later, and still the conspiracies continue to rival our consciousness. This is brilliantly penned. You should be proud!

[cloud]

A mystery that will never be solved only rifled with conspiracies and conjectures from now on. You've chosen well which line to repeat. The most famous murder ever caught on film whose name will be remembered in the same breath as the murder itself.

[Briana O'Connor]

I love the delicacy of your words. They just flow so fluently right off the page into the depth's of one soul taking us on a journey through your story. This piece, itself, was a heart wrenching tale. Taking such a tragedy and adding even more character than what is presently known shows great intellect. Thank you for sharing and keep up the good work.

[Relic]

I don't think I've noticed that form before. Good poem.