Zapruder's Reel

I was there filming young Jack Kennedy,
taking my movie near a grassy knoll.
Little did I know how famous I’d be.

Along the road people lined up to see;
hail to the president a noble goal.
I was there filming young Jack Kennedy.

The motorcade passed with alacrity;
I saw how stately the limousines roll.
Little did I know how famous I’d be.

The path of bullets was open and free;
grisly and bloody the cranium hole.
I was there filming young Jack Kennedy.

Jacqueline turned to an agent in plea;
he jumped right in without need of cajole.
Little did I know how famous I’d be.

Lost was my balance at this tragedy;
this senseless killing exacted a toll.
I was there filming young Jack Kennedy;
little did I know how famous I’d be.


19 Lines (Villanelle)
Writer’s Cramp
November 23, 2013

Abraham Zapruder (May 15, 1905 – August 30, 1970) was an American manufacturer
of women's clothing best known for his home movie documenting the assassination
of U.S. President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963.