Les Miserables.

Dr. Grump just found this poem by Jacques Prévert (from Paroles, 1946) which made a big impression on her when she was studying French at O level. There are some other poems by Jacques Prévert just here.

'Bit miserable, aren't they?' I said - but that's the point, apparently. She says she likes it because there is so much unsaid in the gaps and it reminds her of her unhappy relationship with Dr. Winstanley from the department of Meteorology.


Déjeuner du matin

Il a mis le café
Dans la tasse
Il a mis le lait
Dans la tasse de café
Il a mis le sucre
Dans le café au lait
Avec la petite cuiller
Il a tourné
Il a bu le café au lait
Et il a reposé la tasse
Sans me parler

Il a allumé
Une cigarette
Il a fait des ronds
Avec la fumée
Il a mis les cendres
Dans le cendrier
Sans me parler
Sans me regarder

Il s'est levé
Il a mis
Son chapeau sur sa tête
Il a mis son manteau de pluie
Parce qu'il pleuvait
Et il est parti
Sous la pluie
Sans une parole
Sans me regarder

Et moi j'ai pris
Ma tête dans ma main
Et j'ai pleuré.

Style Tip
If the second clause (from yesterday) is preceded by an adverb (e.g. accordingly, besides, then, therefore or thus) then the semicolon is still required.

e.g. Sometimes Dr. Grump likes to wallow alone in tears and sadness; then I just hand her the box of tissues and close the door.

New Word
anfractuous (from Bloomsbury) = sinuous or circuitous.
Dr Grump often prefers an anfractous explanation.