I loved my colleagues and their playful putdowns.
I loved the way they paid attention to clothes —
as if they never considered how their tunics
and smart pantsuits looked like upholstery.

Bienvenue au centre d’élégance.
I sat back and reflected upon the years
as I waited for l’autobus Roi René.
Enough spouting cupids and peeing putti!

‘Adorned in splendid marble, and scattered
with decorative water fountains and soothing
luminescent, Versailles is pure pleasing elegance.
All give in to its distinctive appeal!’

I loved my colleagues’ itemized grant requests
and their proud air of accepted defeat.
‘I will need time to explore the culture.’
You can’t buy Wrangler jeans at Versailles.