The Rhapsody

PARIS

A girl came in the café and sat

by herself

At a table near the window.

I wished I could put her in the story,

or anywhere,

but she had placed herself so she could watch the street and the entry

and I knew she was waiting for someone.

So I went on writing.

I ordered another

rum St. James and I watched

the girl whenever I looked up,

I’ve seen you, beauty, and you belong to me now,

whoever you are waiting for

and if I never see you again,

you belong to me

and

all Paris belongs to me.

– Ernest Hemingway