Biography charpentreau

It can be very difficult for non-native French speakers to read, comprehend, and even enjoy poetry in French. This is because the language can be more florid than in prose, there may me multiple layers of meaning not easily deduced by the non-native reader, and it may depend on cultural references.

But, alas, not all is lost if you have difficulty understanding Verlaine, Rimbaud, or especially Mallarmé.

There are many other contemporary French poets that might be easier for non-native French learners to read. Today, we’ll focus on one: Jacques Charpentreau.

Jacques Charpentreau is known for his simple but charming style, and his use of rhyme and repetition, which makes it easier for non-native readers to appreciate his poetry.

Born in 1928, Charpentreau is a beloved figure in France and recently passed away in March 2016.

Here’s his poem, “C’est place de la Concorde à Paris”:

C’est place de la Concorde à Paris

qu’un enfant assis