LA PLACE DE LA LIBÉRATION, AUCH

In the centre of the square is a fountain –

an inspired, aesthetic roundabout –

a contemporary design, the numerous

jets spurting three or four metres from the setts.

On the way to the restaurant, she sees it,

and, of course, fascinated by water

in all its forms, tugs at her reins – but the cars

circulate heedlessly and, anyway,

we are guests. She tantrums.

Later, the fountains are turned off, traffic

is forbidden and la jeunesse takes over

with its skate boards and hip hop. By then,

she is asleep in her buggy. A marble

plaque records the one hundred and fourteen

Jewish men, women and children sent

to extermination.