by Tony d’Ambra
memories night rain on cobble stones
we sheltered under eaves
of lost time and aching solitude slowed motion
our paths crossed
we dare not touch
rehearsing heartbreak and leave-taking stairs
a hallway with no turning
condemned to relive a love
ever unconsumated
always alone a red billowing curtain belies our passion
an empty hotel room
2046
there is no future
no past
only an aching emptiness slippers forgotten
kept as relics
and stolen back
by a visage not a visitor
red lipstick on a cigarette
left in suspense
on the edge of a lost horizon I go back
all is gone
the story has moved on
new players
in the same rooms
I don’t knock on the close door tears
and whispered secrets among ancient stones
lost forever
The forever enterprising Tony d’Ambra has again raised the bar with this aching poem that pierces the human heart. Focusing in on the central relationship of this great Wong Kar-Wei film (perhaps his greatest) the words and phrases that come to mind while watching the film unfold seem contained in this sensory poem that beautifully captures the essence of loneliness.
Mr. d’Ambra’s talents not only cross genre lines, but literary form as well. Magnificent!
I have to admit, this is an interesting idea that effectively does a great job at visualizing the images, decor and atmosphere of the film in question, and of the feelings you are left with. this is a very good film that does make one think of these remembrances, which are fleeting and “suspended in time” as the author suggests.
Compelling, haunting and atmospheric poem, but I must ask, what is the significance of “2046?”
Joe: “2046″ is the room number in the film, and it was then used as the title for the follow-up involving these two characters, aptly named 2046. I do agree with your sentiments on Tony’s poem though for sure.
Bobby: Fabulous interpretation there, methinks.
………..very impressive poem, really digs deep. I loved this film………
Thanks for the kind supportive comments.
When I was much younger, I nurtured the illusion that I could write poetry, but I soon came to my senses. This is my first attempt in 25 years. I first tried to convey in prose the theme of this most poetic and achingly beautiful of films and did not get very far, so I bit the bullet and tried a stream of consciousness approach.
What I could not express is a sense of how integral are the soulful musical motifs of this stunning film.
For a “first attempt in 25 years”, the results here are rather astonishing. You can count me among the fans of this film, although I like “2046″ and “Happy Together” even more. Anyway, a stream-of-consciousness approach seems to be the way to go with this film, as it’s sensory as someone above suggested.
I quite agree David (and hope you and your family are enjoying the break) and I would add that Mr. d’Ambra’s descriptive language really succeeds in conveying the feelings that a straight-forward prose essay could not possibly match.
A great idea with flawless execution. Not every film could come alive with lyricism of this context, but I think this particular film lends itself to this, as it’s textured, nuanced and poetic in its cinematic style.
I have nothing really to add to what has already been said but I wish to add my admiration and gratitude to Tony for this wonderful piece.
Thanks.
I like the poetically-rendered concept of there being “no future and no past.” It’s all in that short, fleeting moment that will recede into the memory. Most impressive poem.
Magnificent, Tony. You have caressed the very heart of this great director’s art.
Hi! Tony,
What a very lovely “poem” and that is all I can say….
Now here comes the “sticky” part, I have never watched this film before…to be quite honest with you, I am not familiar with this film at all, but thanks, for sharing!…Btw, I hope everyone that post and visit Sam Juliano, Allan Fish and Tony D’Ambra here at Wonders in the Dark have a Very Happy! and Very Prosperous New Year!…. in 2009.
dcd
Very nice idea guys to include poetry in this mix. I like this film a lot, and can conjure up these images while reading this metaphorical piece. It’s aching and it’s suffused with melancholy throughout. Somehow it seems right for the bittersweet feelings one experiences on New Year’s Eve.
Sam, Allan, Tony, Kaleem, Bob and everyone else at the site, Happy New Year and continued success in 2009. I’ll be there.
Thanks again everyone for your comments. They are truly appreciated. All the best for 2009 to all.
What a lovely poem. It really give some chills down my spine. Bravo, Mr. d’ambra!
Happy New Year’s Sam and the entire Wonders in the Dark team.
GREAT POEM HERE! I LIKE THE IDEA OF BRANCHING OUT TO OTHER FORMS!
HAPPY NEW YEAR”S GUYS!
Many thanks for that clarification. I just read it again and it holds up quite well.