An evening message
Happy birthday Jean Genet, Jesse and a miraculous rose
Hello everyone,
Today is Jean Genet’s birthday. I am reading A Thief’s Journal before turning in, and thinking of how much this book inspired me to write when I was 21. Reading a few lines, especially There is a close relationship between flowers and convicts, brought to mind Robert Mapplethorpe’s flowers.
I have included Robert’ photograph below as Genet was partial to roses. I used to read Genet to Robert when we were young. It remains one of my favorite memories of our life in Brooklyn. I am in New York, resting and recovering, gathering strength, glad to be home….
Earlier today my daughter Jesse Paris Smith launched her own Substack. I am very proud of her accomplishments and looking forward to the blossoming of her site.
So welcome Jesse, happy birthday Jean Genet and a beautiful night to all.
Thank you everyone for your comments. I will be reading them all today. Sending much gratitude to all.
When I first read Genet's Our Lady of the Flowers I was struck by how he transforms everything--and everyone, and with seemingly almost no effort--into this swirl of infinite potential, always tending toward whatever is most tender and beautiful. Every scene that might otherwise be shabby, ugly, or even cruel; or, by the standards of the day, obscene and debased: he will dress it in the sweetest, finest linen and silk and cover it in petals, until one can only fall helplessly in love.
For anyone who does not already know: you can glimpse Genet's imagery in Todd Haynes' film Poison--I think he uses scenes from both Our Lady and Thief''s Journal to spin one of its three main storylines. It's been a little while since I last watched it. Haynes shares Genet's sensibilities to a great degree.
Take good care of yourself. Not that you need to be reminded; rather to put one more tick mark in the column of people who would bring you all the soup and tea if we could. Thanks for checking in, and for reminding us of Genet's incredible power. What better time to re-imagine all that we see and hear?