J’ai vu la France la
premiere fois.
But, Nice had not yet
terror known.
The first time I saw
Paris.
Nice had not yet
known the “New Terror.”
It was 1993, the year
of “Europa.”
But, Nice had not yet
terror known.
The signs said, “Maastricht,
Oui” or “Maastricht, Non”.
But, Nice had not yet
terror known.
It was “Catorze
Juillet,” Bastille Day –
But, Nice had not yet
terror known.
Went to the Eiffel
Tower for the fireworks,
But, Nice had not yet
terror known.
The crowds were
overwhelming.
But, Nice had not yet
terror known.
Left on a packed
Metro train.
But, Nice had not yet
terror known.
Hearing Spanish, I
interrupted.
But, Nice had not yet
terror known.
The beautiful girls
were Dominican.
But, Nice had not yet
terror known.
They were the rich,
privileged;
Protectively ignorant
of the, “Haitian Question.”
But, Nice had not yet
terror known.
Had entered Europe
through Spain.
But, Nice had not yet
terror known.
After days in Madrid,
took the train.
But, Nice had not yet
terror known.
In the middle of the night, there was a terrific racket.
But, Nice had not yet
terror known.
Spain and France had
not yet agreed on a track gauge.
But, Nice had not yet
terror known.
But, Nice had not yet
terror known.
Paris was magic.
But, Nice had not yet
terror known.
The Louvre had not
yet changed its entrance.
But, Nice had not yet
terror known.
The Mona Lisa was
still at eye-level, sans protection.
But, Nice had not yet
terror known.
Took the “Train de
Gran Vitesse” to Dijon.
But, Nice had not yet
terror known.
Was put in charge of
Japanese tourists.
But, Nice had not yet
terror known.
Long before the,
“Selfie,” could not escape the camera.
But, Nice had not yet
terror known.
The Burgundy tour was long, wine-filled and quite cheesy.
But, Nice had not yet
terror known.
Back in Paris,
inspected the Arc de Triomphe to distraction.
But, Nice had not yet
terror known.
Had a nice hotel at
the end of the Metro line.
But, Nice had not yet
terror known.
Sharing a street
bench with an old gentleman, used fresh French to ply him with questions about
the war.
But, Nice had not yet
terror known.
Barely understood
what all the, “Maastricht” signs were about.
But, Nice had not yet
terror known.
The treaty signing
was not until the fall.
But, Nice had not yet
terror known.
England had not even
begun its snobbish slink toward “Brexit.”
But, Nice had not yet
terror known.
Many of those
slaughtered at Nice were not yet born.
Paris was in a
peaceful lull.
But, Nice had not yet
terror known.
J’ai vu la France la
premiere fois –
But, Nice had not yet
terror known!!!
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