If you click on the source link in the caption below, you’ll get a chance to see this incredibly detailed painting up close. Madrazo painted many scenes of Parisian nightlife in the late 19th and early 20th century, always with great attention to detail, and often showcasing high fashion. It’s worth having a close look at the people’s faces.
Now, of all the people in this lively scene at the masquerade ball, only the waiter looks uncertain, and steps cautiously. Given the drinking, the tipped chairs, the ladies’ voluminous bustles, the swirling dancers, and the randomly laid swords, it seems very wise.
The form of this poem is a rondeau. More of my ekphrastic poetry here.
Masquerade Ball at the Ritz
There are people who eat, and waiters who wait.
Then, there are people who prostrate,
or pass judgement, or those who tip chairs,
those who wear wigs, those who split hairs
or pretend to preach, or to gladiate.
Confused what to choose from life’s meat plate?
Make like the waiter, and, just wait.
Hush a minute if it gets too much to bear.
There are people.
Watch as drunks drunkenly debate.
Watch as dancers waltz or gyrate.
Make like the waiter and tip-toe through there.
Learn from their mistakes, the character they bare.
Let them stagnate. Keep the meat on your plate.
There are people.
©elsp 2025
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