Louis Simpson

Louis Simpson was born on March 27, 1923, in Jamaica to a Russian mother and lawyer father of Scottish descent. His life as an American began when he entered Columbia University at seventeen where he studied with

On the Lawn at the Villa

by Louis Simpson (1923–2012)

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On the lawn at the villa—

That's the way to start, eh, reader?

We know where we stand—somewhere expensive—

You and I imperturbes , as Walt would say,

Before the diversions of wealth, you and I engagés .

 On the lawn at the villa 
 Sat a manufacturer of explosives, 
 His wife from Paris, 
 And a young man named Bruno, 

Click here for complete poem

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January 31

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Poetry Trivia

Question:

In the movie Il Postino , which real-life poet helps the mailman win the heart of his town's most beautiful woman?

Answer

Pablo Neruda. The film is based on the mailman's memoir.

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