The
Characturess
and
The Writing Caruso – Present –
A
FEW
PLACES
SEEN
THE WRITING
CARUSO
Enrico Caruso
a friend of mine
of musical sound
we are of same soil
different alike
each resides in time
yet goes beyond.
CARUSO IL SCRITORE
Enrico Caruso
uno amico mio
elegante d’ Italia
de suono musica
semo della medesima terra
differente–medsime
risedere en tempo
nulladimeno va lontano.
Translated in The Italian by
Mary
THE CARUSO SONG
A song sung
expression of the
Soul
as “cleer” as ever
reaching across
breaking through
an “emotionated”
touch
expression-expressed
and re-expressed
a given gift
the last
uttered
breath.
THE
COMPOSER
I
feel with my heart
a resonantial ground
so
music I write
as
I seen the sound.
Expressive
forms
of
inner dimensions
transcending
boundaries
of
outer time.
MUSICAL MONTAGE
Integral
play
one
is
the
other
and
the
music
goes
on.
A
NEW NOTE
Relative
motion melodic sound
one
remains in place
while
the other moves
away
from back to one begins another.
Hesitation-drag
hit a half-beat
inbetween
a new note given
change
does not create
time
creates the change.
MUSIC
When words spell themselves
according to their flow
striking tones of truth
movement from tone to note
turned inside out
given birth.
MEANING WARP
Riding the high wave
keep on moving
as the force is too much to stand
cross that boundary
an existential shift.
Each wave follows
arises spontaneously
gathers and spends
itself
in the natural flow
flowing to the ebb
being pulled back into what arises.
ODE TO THE VIOLIN
A treble voice
voicing voiced
inflection
tuned in fifths
extends three octaves
wood and strings
sound uttered through
origin not certain
Italians play notes
first Baltazarini
brothers Amati and
Stradivarus
a finer tone
distinguished
violinists
Paganini and Sivori.
Direct contradiction
to
the doctrine of
progress
attempts to improve
it
none succeed
adapted to every kind
of music
the most beautiful
voice
a natural singer
wondrous performance
on a single string.
TOUCHED
Upon
the
right
note
animation
begins.
RAGGEDY ANN
Most precious heart
live on
live on
live forever
in my heart
together love
touching each
little girls heart
giving universal love
I cry each time
I look at you
as you touch
my heart
your just a real
doll.
MONA LISA SHOWN
Face of
a Madonna
beauty and expression
of delightful
contemplation
as The Mother
shines through
signified by
the presence
color and pattern
painted.
DEBORAH
DANCE
Wicked
“Straking”
deliberate
sure moves
continuous
disciplined
spontaneity
working
images
out
of interwoven
displayed
meaning.
EVER-CHANGING
I hear the night
the foghorns blow
the ocean roars
the morning’s clear.
THE
City
for dreamers
poetic
thought
ocean’s
fresh feeling
spirits
abound
the
western edge
creative
space
I
will live
no
other place.
AT-ONE
Across the sand
beyond the surf
over the waters
till the horizon
then we see
ocean and sky
deep within
blue is blue.
THE
OCEAN
A
continuous motion
ebb
and flow
adventurous
freedom
you
cannot see the other side.
A
keen eye can see
the
subtle enchantment
as
the Sun strikes the crest of the wave
a
fiery mist appears.
SEAGULL
Flying sideways
across the sky
effortlessly winging
turn and glide
watchful eyes keep
all in sight
what am I doing
living life.
INBETWEENNESS
As-yet unknown
where the poet skates
on glassy edge
the far side of here
on this side of there
a corridor of originality
inbetween the ocean and the sand
on the edge of the world.
ODE TO THE FISHERMEN
Weathered leather
struggle
daily
fresh fish
offered
from which
“my” nets
have swept in.
ODE
TO THE
Elegant
lady very proud
we
call her
she
goes away
to
return
over
the waters
traveling
by day into night
I’ve
spent sometime with her
you
see
Where
mountains and ocean meet
the
last frontier
a
place to get lost
yet
find yourself.
GOLDEN
GATE
Caretakers
tend
nature’s spirit
to
establish and maintain
this
pleasant and perfect place.
A
reflecting pond
where
people gather
for
the Sun brings new vision
of
warmth and life
“It’s
almost 10:30”
a
person says
pointing
to a shadow
cast
by the Sun.
An outreach
of the Golden West
gives vision
as far as one can see
overlooks the Cliff House
and Seal Rocks
weathered many a storm
at ocean’s edge.
THE CABLE CAR
Most famous landmark
climbing to the stars
grip and release
at will
a characteristic
San Francisco Sound.
VERDI
Traditional Italian
strong expressive feelings
“Singer’s Opera”
celebrated son
dramatic composer
sparkling melody
striking effects
stage action characters
“Verismo” ability to
speak directly
to the heart
undiminished in time.
IN
HONOR OF
LUCIANO
PAVAROTTI
THE
VOICE
Of
all tenors
I
like
Rodolfo
in
La
Boheme
creativity
it is
you
bring
others
to
what
you were given.
ODE TO THE RESTAURANT
Cloth table-cloth
setting found
tasteful dining
selective wines
authentic care
service being there.
THE
Selected dinners
the palace
of delight
as tradition
would have it
this is right.
JULIUS’ CASTLE
Romantic restaurant
on Telegraph Hill
white linen
flowers
candlelit dining
view must
go to sea.
THE IRON HOURSE
In Picturesque
Maiden Lane
intimate atmosphere
Italian and Continental
expertly prepared
a stable image
so kick up your heels.
THE
BLUE FOX
Celebrated
favorite
appointment
attention
Continental
elegance
International
skill.
THE SHADOWS
German
explication
displaying
quality
there-being
distinctive
style
disclosed.
L’ETOILE
French
charming
elegance
atop
Nob Hill
lively
exclusive
magnificent
style.
LA MERE DUQUESNE
French
very elegant
the classic
European
thoughtful seen.
CLIFF HOUSE
Established location
on scenic edge
a historic place
romantic appeal
in spite of change
all come to visit
this enchanted space.
THE CHARACTURESS
AND THE WRITING CARUSO’S NUMBER ONE
ENRICO’S
Dining al fresco
late hour rendezvous
street side intrigue
an International scene
old world cuisine
after dinner brandy
warmed by lemon scented steam
occasional Violin entoned moments
while unlikely matched guests
discover life
at table’s edge.
WASHINGTON
SQUARE BAR AND GRILL
A
first writer’s place
nourishment
with kindred spirits
“So!
the
revolving players’
piano
seat
legendary
saloon.
NORTH
BEACH RESTAURANT
You
can feel
bay
leaves and garlic
very
fine food
prepared
individually
as
a play set to music
and
sung
come
to the feel and taste
of
this International place.
MAMA’S
A family affair
favorite
Sunday morning
breakfast
fresh fruit
confections
other created
specialities
each and every day
with Love.
LA TRAVIATA
Sanctuary of “The
Voice”
for Italianated
Musica Parlante
warmth and verve
a restaurant for that
one special night
Verdi’s inspiration
alive in a native son
Pavarotti’s
Across the room their
portraits hang
each diner embraced
in operatic theme
sights, sounds and
smells
Prosto!
Authentic Grotto
friendly warm
gracious dining
intimate surround
displayed collection
very fine dolls
floating gondola
operatic tone.
RISTORANTE
ORSI
Northern
Italian
cuisine
unsurpassed
cannelloni
delectable
splendor
first
choice
gourmet’s
delight.
VINCE’S
Pizza House
olive oil a speciality
authentic Italian style
beer/wine
Italian dishes
open late hours
eat here
or go.
GOLD MIRROR
Image image
what will appear?
your being there
will bring
an Italian dinner
wine
a fine time
you have to see.
THE
most frequented
corner café
Beach and Hyde
hillbottom changeover
Cable Car turnaround
spectacular wharfside
vision
shoppers, lovers and
locals
stream in like waves
one after the other
only to find
kindred spirits come
alive.
USS
EAGAL CAFE
Waterfront
landmark
of
old
Rom’en
old
timers’ haunt
history
sustained
and
nourished every day
a
keen eye can see
this
is the place to be.
FISHERMAN’S GROTTO
NO. 9
Long-time
standby
fresh daily
fish
the Wharf
at best.
THE BEN JONSON
In the Cannery
special rooms
from
William Randolf Hearst’s Estate
the poet’s
veritable words
“Ay all choice”
“Bread, wine acates, fowl, feather, fish or fin.”
PERRY’S
On
in Cow Hollow
a
with
esconded setting
prestigious place
waiter-service
a tradition
meet the favored competitors
of the annual street fair
waiters race
breakfast, lunch, dinner
or weekend brunch
the local in-spot
memorable events
preserved by
once familiar
sign covered walls.
THE DELI
Victorian setting
stained-glass
garden patio porch
variety and quality
dine or carry.
Muted-light intrigue
near the Presidio’s
eastern gate
pub-like camaraderie
ales and stouts
entrees prepared.
TAJ MAHAL
“What brings you here?”
to cross a barrier all so inviting
step beyond the holding parlor
into muted warmths aromatic glow.
Nested together in darkened seclusion
safely shielded behind beaded drapes of time
sitar soothing spirit sound
visions of butterflies’ lilting flight
crimson reflections dancing on velveted wall.
Appears the creator
long-established home of repose
for an Indian Deva whose soul can see
its own true vision reflected
in a sacred temple come to life.
Spiritual dining
steam steeping warmth
a taste of mystery will linger on.
Reappears the journeying soul
hot spice tea prepared
with untold futures resting
at the bottom of the cups.
Caressed by destiny in unmet moments
deeply nourished by serenity’s calm
crossed boundaries again
high arched gates adorned by Taj
opened and released by Joy.
THE GOOD KARMA
The
Vegetarian’s
Vegetarian
restaurant
the
oldest
and
purest
epicurean
delight.
GREENS
AT
Simplicity
and
elegance
reflects
the
bent
of
direction.
TIA MARGARITA
Traditional prelude
a margarita
quality food
Tia special
warm hospitality
attentive service
you only leave
to return.
The place
the place
oldest Mexican
restaurant
since 1906
you will find
no other
as unique.
PAM PAM EAST
Around the clock
dining
choice and variety
mid-city heart life
relaxed atmosphere
cocktail lounge
adorned by
Enrico Caruso’s trunk.
In Remembrance of
A garden setting
on
the place to eat
the service is neat
indoor/outdoor a real
treat
unexpected meaning
alive alive
changing waiter/waitresses
cooperative family
style.
MCDONALD’S
Chain of respect
we’re always your’s
wherever you are
you know
what you eat
an event going on
that’s neat.
LE
Very intimate
personal charm
exceptional quality
the Bistro
a la heart.
CAFE MOZART
Service
appointments
delightful setting
splendid food
concerting
imagination
with distinction.
MARCEL AND HENRI
SELECT MEATS INC.
Superlative pates
discriminating taste
finest charcuterie
very established
Gourmet.
BOUDIN
SOURDOUGH
A
Sourdough
Fresh.
HOLY
CITY ZOO
Comedian’s
performing
or not
new
and established
spawn
and return.
THE BOARDING HOUSE
Variety of talent
International names
Continental
preference with
taste.
OWL AND MONKEY CAFE
The Coffeehouse
distinctive style
beer/wine
salad, quiche
lasagne, enchilada
poetry, music
pleasant casual
a nightly happen.
THE OTHER
Waiting for
the trolley
you look across
the street
fifteen people there
you are here.
THE COMEDIAN
The
one
that
is
crazy
and
understands.
MIME
Ludicrous actions
gestures such farce
inversely
brings
presence forth.
JOHN HORTON COOPER
THE PAINO MAN
Thinking music fingers
it all plays on
legendary
old-time
saloon playing piano man.
CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS
Sailor of sailors
eager to pass the
bounds of
existing knowledge
sailed the seas three
ships one
gazing earnestly
ahead
plainly saw a lovely
land
discovered
named the Indians
guiding light for
spirits
sailing seas
Prosto!
CITY WITHIN A CITY
Invisible
yet real walls
separate
from the City
around.
ODE TO USF
Unity in diversity
a common ground
scholarship and
dedication
quality abound
inward, outward,
backward, forward
creative freedom
value and respect
in the spirit of
love.
LONE MOUNTAIN
Most revered
El Divisadero
the point from which
one can see far.
ST. IGNATIUS
First struck by
morning Sun
beauty shown
first draped and
obscured
by San Francisco Fog
singular presence
in the City of many.
THE
Rooftop
legend
The
Crown Room
“around”
the City view
elegantly
in accord
with
ever-changing
seen.
THE MARK HOPKINS
Open-winged
spectacular tower
number one Nob Hill
the top of the Mark
to toast the town.
VESUVIO
CAFE
Lively
colorful
designed
and created
unique.
THE HAIGHT
Where ideals preceed
and style remains.
THE
OPERA
From
the Italian
dramatic
music
the
Word
acquires
meaning
buffa,
seria, mezzo seria
a
measureless virtuality
the
music of music.
LA OPERA
Della dramma Italiana
per musica
La parola
prende sentimento
buffa, seria, mezzo
seria
una vigoria sensa
tempo
La musica
della musica
Translated in The
Italian by
Mary
ANCHOR STEAM BEER
“Gimme an Anchor”
a founding
San Francisco Sound
unique distinctive
flavor
exclusive royal
choice
original special
process
attended spirit.
THE
Cross current
somewhere
inbetween
in coming over
undercurrent flow
each participates
locating two
coming into
existence
near or far.