Sharon Tate, movie star, 1943 —

by Gerard Malanga

Hi Sharon,
You’ve never taken a bad picture . . .  have you.
I’ve an excellent eye for the eternal.
I’ve turned corners.
I’ve gone to sleep & woken up in different worlds
& gone to sleep again & not return . . .  & nothing’s changed
& still I can’t seem to find you.
How can that be ?!  1943 ?
The one year we have in common.
Is that the joke ?
To borrow a favorite quote
of Cocteau’s: “Astonish me!”
& you’ve astonished me in retrospect.
I guess you could say, we’ve followed different time zones.
You’re as clear as a sunset walk through a Hamptons beach,
or any beach.  Have your pick.
The twilight’s yet upon us
It’s been 50-some-odd years.  Imagine!
Those would’ve been your years.
If I asked for help along, you surely would.
Roman said it’s in your nature.
Can you reach back as far as 6 or 8 ?
A trip to the zoo.
A pony ride.
A carrousel.
                  How to forget.
Did you wish upon a star & close your eyes ?
Did you have a pet ?
What’s its name ?
Where did you grow up ?
Or back then, had you ?
Is there a part of you yet catching up with you ?
Make me laugh.
Crack me a joke.
Be as goofy as Goofy in the movies.
I know you can do it . . .  but not given the chance.
That’s the secret you’ve been holding back, you’ve kept hidden.
A wholly secret place for cheshire cats.
Save it for when we’re sipping straws
at Café Flore,
our quick glances
& smiling eyes.