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Description
Le facteur de Bétharram, France, années 70.

Le facteur de Bétharram

his face is square with piggy black eyes

three chins.

the white gitane that droops from pursed lips

lines up with the front forks

of his bicycle. his beret has faded

to the colour of decrepitude

Gaston

has pedalled these streets for fifty years or more.

they say he should retire

but he is squat and severe

and no one dares mention the possibility

a wheeze and a squeak and he’s gone

trailing the smell of ash

the new man walks with purpose and speed

they think his name is Pierre

but no one likes to ask

he doesn’t smoke

but something in his eyes

speaks of absinthe and doom

CATHERINE EDMUNDS
sentinelquarterly.com/january-…

Description
Le facteur de Bétharram, France, années 70.

Le facteur de Bétharram

his face is square with piggy black eyes

three chins.

the white gitane that droops from pursed lips

lines up with the front forks

of his bicycle. his beret has faded

to the colour of decrepitude

Gaston

has pedalled these streets for fifty years or more.

they say he should retire

but he is squat and severe

and no one dares mention the possibility

a wheeze and a squeak and he’s gone

trailing the smell of ash

the new man walks with purpose and speed

they think his name is Pierre

but no one likes to ask

he doesn’t smoke

but something in his eyes

speaks of absinthe and doom

CATHERINE EDMUNDS
sentinelquarterly.com/january-…