Entranced in France

AnElephantCant spend too much time here
He really must leave far too soon
But he’ll give you a feel
For this lovely wee ville
With some pictures he took in Bethune

In the Departement Pas-de-Calais
It was bombarded during World War I
Which left it 90% wrecked so
Rebuilt in the style Art Deco
The Grand’Place is just beautifully done

This main square is bustling and cobbled
While the rest of la ville est tranquille and leafy
Back at the hotel
A confused mademoiselle
Explains that in France they pronounce WiFi as Wee-fee

From his hotel AnElephant makes a trunk call
To a lady of beauty and mystery
Though she is far away
He has so much to say
About this town and its quite chequered history

In the square sits a very old Beffroi
That’s a belfry from 1388
Its discordant tune
Entertains the commune
And ensures that they are never late

A philosopher born here in 1300
Suggested two good choices were really the worst
Monsieur Jean Buridan
Said if you confuse an âne*
With hay and water it would die of hunger and thirst

• Monsieur Buridan put forward the argument that as it was very difficult to choose between two equally attractive alternatives, if one were to offer a donkey (an âne) a bale of hay and a bucket of water, it might hesitate for so long before making a decision that it would die of both hunger and thirst.
  AnElephantCant help but think Old Jean was a bit of a prankster or a loony.
  Another difficult choice!