Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Poetry and Irony

Poetry and irony are everywhere. You only have to look.

Consider the above picture. I've never seen this one, but it's been resuscitated in a current news story because of a landmark Mob trial in New York. The trial involves an "official" Mob boss who is giving testimony against another Mob boss. This is unprecedented.

The theme of the today's story is that food is a constant theme in the testimony. Well, we know people gotta eat, and Italians have made more than a living at it. It's a way of life. So why shouldn't some of the things that happen to people happen when there's food around? It's not like there are no cooking shows on TV these days. Or a food section in a paper that never had one.

The irony in the 1979 picture almost speaks for itself. I remember the graphic shot of the mobster who was plugged in the restaurant's garden, a shot Weegee would be credited with if he had still been alive. The freshly deceased is seen in contorted repose, with his cigar still firmly clenched in his mouth. The sheet has been pulled back. It's a mess.

But the one above is better. It's subtle. If you need help, just consider what you're looking at and read the sign above. "Outgoing orders" are a specialty.

You don't have to think like me, but it helps.

http://www.onofframp.blogspot.com

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