Je Suis Quoi

my image of the "ghost" ...

is particularly significant for me
as the finite representation
of a torment that may be eternal
(Breton 12)

Paris, France.

"Take me to the Sphinx-Hotel, Boulevard Magenta."
(Luckily the driver speaks English)
"What brings you to Paris, Madame?"
"I am looking for Nadja."
"Pardon me?"
"You see, my beloved husband has recently passed away."
I hand him the newspaper clipping dated just seven days ago.

It reads:

TRAGIC DEATH

BY AUTOEROTIC ASPHYXIATION

WHERE DESIRE FOR RESPIRATION

AND OBSTRUCTION OF LIFE'S WIND

BECOME ONE

Nadja;

A thought, an idea, a dream, a desire.

the beginning of hope.

Nadie;

no one.

Emptiness.

the emptiness of an empty thought--

infiltrated with peace.

There is serenity in death,

Contentment.

Emptiness.

Thoughtlessness.

Serenity.

Nadja.

Je Suis Quoi?

perhaps my life is nothing but an image of this kind.
what I must have ceased to be in order to be who I am.
(Breton 11-12)