WARNING
from Let Us Compare Mythologies (1956)
If your neighbour disappears
O if your neighbour disappears
The quiet man who raked his lawn
The girl who always took the sun
Never mention it to your wife
Never say at dinnertime
Whatever happened to that man
Who used to rake his lawn
Never say to your daughter
As you’re walking home from church
Funny thing about that girl
I haven’t seen her for a month
And if your son says to you
Nobody lives next door
They’ve all gone away
Send him to bed with no supper
Because it can spread, it can spread
And one fine evening coming home
Your wife and daughter and son
They’ll have caught the idea and will be gone
7 responses so far ↓
MovieMan0283 // April 12, 2009 at 10:07 pm |
A great piece…I knew Cohen was a celebrated poet before he was a celebrated songwriter (21 years old…damn!) but I have not, to my recollection, read much of his work. I should. Great pairing too. The broadly hysterical and the quietly foreboding…
Ben // April 13, 2009 at 9:48 pm |
Thanks for your comments Movieman. The photos are all from one movie – any guesses anyone?
Christopher Nosnibor // May 11, 2009 at 6:49 pm |
No guesses whatsoever, but I’m delighted to find LC’s poetry being quoted rather than his lyrics (although there is considerable overlap). I discovered his poetry before his music, as there was a copy of ‘The Energy of Slaves’ on my mother’s book case when I was growing up. A remarkable, and in many ways, underrated poet.
Ben // May 11, 2009 at 8:13 pm |
Yes I read the Energy of Slaves when I was young too. It was my father’s book, in my case! I was lucky enough to see him live in London last summer at a concert that has since been brought out as a live CD. I recommend this CD – his voice has never been better and songs that have previously sounded (to me at least) a little unimpressive production-wise, such as those off The Future, had a wonderful set of backing voices etc.
Iva Sanjek // October 12, 2009 at 12:19 pm |
I`m still wondering from wich movie the photos are
Who has an idea? MAny thanks and greetings from Switzerland!
Ben // October 19, 2009 at 1:22 am |
Hey Iva,
I don’t know whether I should give the game away! Any guesses??
Ben // October 19, 2009 at 1:24 am |
And great to hear that my site is going out to Switzerland!