Salon

by Susan Weber

In eastern France, my friends welcome me to their unique slice of life. They show me their ancient city Besançon, the idyllic countryside, the shops and squares and landmarks cherished over generations. I’ve composed lyrics, a fresh take on a folksong I’ve known since childhood. It’s my response to the privilege of living within this family, so close to the inner workings of their love.

In the song, you may imagine my six year old friend with her companion Chien Rouge (Red Dog) seated at piano, creating an improvised piece. You may hear her planning in great detail with her grown friend from Cleveland a concert to which three special family members are invited. At the designated time, she takes their personalized tickets and accompanies each guest to a specified seat within range of a whirling fan. By now everyone is well acquainted with the summer’s sweltering heat. With multi-lingual ease, my young friend extends a warm welcome and introduces featured artists. Once these artists have performed and taken deep bows to generous applause, each audience member adds his and her own improvisation to the concert. Every one is crowned by applause. Autographs, a gourmet reception, and a leisurely walk through the quiet neighborhood bring to a close both the sparkling event and this final report from France by your grateful correspondent.

The Green Grass*

In outer space was a spinning world, the prettiest world you ever did see.
And the green grass grew all around all around, the green grass grew all around.

And in this world was a place called Europe, the prettiest Europe you ever did see.

Europe in the world, and the world in space
And the green grass grew all around all around, the green grass grew all around.

And in this Europe was a place called France, the prettiest France you ever did see.
France in Europe, and Europe in the world, and the world in space
And the green grass grew all around all around, the green grass grew all around.

(each verse adds another layer until we have…)

And in this love was a spinning world, the prettiest world you ever did see.
World in love, and love in song
And song in girl, and girl at piano
And piano in room, and room in house
And house by river, and river ‘round town
And town in France, and France in Europe
And Europe in the world, and the world in space
And the green grass grew all around all around, the green grass grew all around.

*Europe’s summer of drought did not show the grass at its greenest. We thank the climate activists for their work to make the song ring true.

Photo Susan Weber CC BY-SA 4.0