The Alan Sondheim Mail Archive

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Date: Sun, 23 May 2004 14:51:31 -0700 (PDT)
From: owner-realpoetik@scn.org
To: undisclosed-recipients:  ;
Subject: RealPoetik  Raymonde Linossier


Raymonde Linossier was born in 1896 in France. While studying law in Paris,
she wrote Bibi-la-Bibiste �to amuse her sister Alice and her friend Francis
Poulenc.� She died in 1930.


BIBI-LA-BIBISTE
A Novel for Francis Poulenc


Chapter One
CHILDHOOD

Her birth was no different from that of other children.

That�s why she was named Bibi-la-Bibiste.

(This was the childhood of Bibi-la-Bibiste.)


Chapter Two
ADOLESCENCE

In her arteries there flowed red blood; in her veins it was black.*

(Such was the adolescence of Bibi-la-Bibiste.)


Chapter Three
LOVE

At sixteen she went to work in a shop.

�Ow, my nose itches,� she cried.

�An old man loves you,� her companions replied, interrupting their song.

A violent emotion seized her. Her heart heaved within her breast.

(Thus were the loves of Bibi-la-Bibiste.)


Chapter Four
DISAPPOINTMENT

She went out.

In the crowded street countless old gentlemen passed. Bibi-la-Bibiste
examined them anxiously. But none responded to her appeal. Only one cast her
an ardent glance, and he was young!

Not wanting to oppose the mysterious designs of Fate**, Bibi-la-Bibiste
pursued her path.

(And this was the disappointment of Bibi-la-Bibiste.)


Chapter Five
CURTAIN

In a hospital Bibi-la-Bibiste died. Like Mary her patroness, like Joan of
Arc, she was a virgin. But her card carried the reference �Syphilis.�

(O magic power of amorous look!)

(And this is the last and most tragic chapter of the novel of
Bibi-la-Bibiste.)


* Cf. Prof. Caustier�s Anatomy and Physiology of the Plants and Animals.

** Had this novel been intended for Faith Digest, we would have put
�Providence.�

Translated by Keith Waldrop.

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