Georges Brassens
singer-songwriter, poet
b. 22 October 1921
d. 29 October 1981
Last November (2011) I walked with Peter (Peter's Paris) along a small alley,
Impasse Florimont, where Brassens originally sought to hide
while on leave from a German labor camp.
He did not return to the camp and lived here from 1944 to 1966
with the owners Jeanne and Marcel Planche.
As we approached the door of 9, Impasse Florimont,
I took a photo of the fading rose and poignant note.
You see, it was just a few days after the 30th anniversary of Brassen's death.
It speaks of the sadness of the years since his passing to "a paradise of musicians."
Vous me manquez
I miss you
9, Impasse Florimont
Near Rue des Suisses and Rue d'Alésia
75014, Paris
Métro Plaisance
What a beautiful and moving post for the day, Genie! We never cease to miss those special ones that we have lost! Hope you have a beautiful week ahead, mon ami!
ReplyDeleteHugs
Sylvia
A touching tribute; simple but sincere, a bit like Georges Brassens himself. Did you know he originally came from Sete, in Southern France? Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)
ReplyDeleteAwesome blog. and i share similar affection towards Paris now that i am learning French. Very nice write up and i love the way the language uses Vous me manquez - You are missed by me!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and so touching, dear friend.
ReplyDeleteI thank you so much for stopping by today...I love your kind messages, Genie...
And for me, it is always a bit of a shock to see snow before Halloween...even in MN!! ))
Bises,
- Irina
Lovely...
ReplyDeleteWe enjoyed Parc Georges Brassens in the 15éme.
ReplyDeleteThere is such heart felt sadness in this post Genie. A wonderful tribute to this sad anniversary.
ReplyDeleteTo imagine that someone who never knew you could be so touched by your life and leave a note like that 30 years later...
ReplyDeleteA very touching post!
ReplyDeleteLéia
... and I remember another nice walk with you! :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat s nice picture of such a touchfull tribute to a great singer. I love the french chansons.
ReplyDeleteHow delightful to catch up on your photos and comments. Sorry that Lucile and I could not make it for your soiree while in Paris -- we also had very long days of sight-seeing, and at 92 Lucile needed her beauty rest in the evening! Our trip went smoothly, but it is taking me a while to get back into my routine here at home.
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to all the photos that you will be sharing from this trip!
Hello Genie:
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautifully poetic post this is, so totally fitting to the subject. How charming that the note and Rose should have been left in remembrance. It is most touching and captured for ever in this most beguiling image.
This past month in Budapest lives lost in the Hungarian revolution of 1956 have been commemorated. As we write, small candles burn and token flowers are left at sites throughout the city which remember this deeply sad event. Your post reflects this poignancy and the importance of remembrance.
This goes to show we are never truly forgotten. Beautiful tribute, Genie!
ReplyDeletea lot of people miss him in France. I'm one of them.Great picture!
ReplyDeleteWhat a touching memorial, Genie. I have a vivid memory of seeing him perform in the Sixties with another wonderful French singer, Barbara.
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ReplyDeletehow lovely .... and sad
ReplyDeletehow lovely .... and sad
ReplyDeletehow lovely .... and sad
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the poignant little poem. It seems like I still remember some French after all.
ReplyDeleteSo very touching! French is such a lovely language!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful b&w photo and post.
ReplyDeleteWithout even knowing anything about this man, the note and faded rose stirred sadness in me.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy Daryl's comments Daryl's comments Daryl's comments . . .
Thank you all for your comments and for reflecting the sadness I felt in seeing this. Although the "vous" implied a less than personal relationship, the passion and longing are there. Isabelle told me that "Jojo" is akin to calling someone "buddy" or "pal." Can anyone confirm this or give me another viewpoint?
ReplyDeleteI almost missed this in that narrow alleyway. A few days later, it might not have even been there. This is one of the reasons I keep returning to Paris (as if I needed one).
For all my friends in the path of Hurricane Sandy, be safe and dry.
Bises,
Genie
un bel hommage
ReplyDelete"Jojo" is a pet name for "George" but "vieux jojo" is also an expression to designate, in an affectionate way, someone a bit odd.
ReplyDeleteI guess both meanings work here. :)
A wonderful tribute...I love his music but I didn't know the details of his life...thank you, Rita
ReplyDeleteaudekapi, that is wonderful! Thank you for the insight on Jojo. Wouldn't you just love to know the story behind the person who wrote that note? Perhaps the stories we imagine are better than the truth.
ReplyDeleteBises,
Genie