1.
They are ash. They are soot .
They are silhouettes against the Paris sky.
–
The chimney sweeps of Paris
dirty themselves
into a clean extinction.
–
Coal, fire and wood are easy to digitalize
in a fireplace generating no warmth,
embers and smoke that blackens brick.
2.
Jean fell off the roof
and was turned into cinders
three days later.
–
The rest showed up
just to smoke and drop
cigarette ash on his grave.
–
A blacken tribute
until they sling their brushes
over their shoulders,
head down, walking fast
to sweep the next silo,
knowing eventually
they will be none.
3.
The old pros need
oxygen machines
to help them breathe.
–
The young face
their extinction
with the indifference
of those who stutter
into the next position.
4.
Their black calling
leaves them unfazed
to the vagaries
of weather
and even death.
5.
This is no longer
the job of orphans
and poor young boys,
although a few
reckless young dusters
will break dance
on a rooftop.
6.
Only the wealthy,
the old and the curators
know they exist.
7.
They do it, because
the greatness of Paris
is viewed from its rooftops,
and that life at best
is a black and white photo.
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