Pétanque

The game of Pétanque, which is a form of Boules, was originated in Southern France. It is widely played in France and neighboring Spain.


While standing in a small circle, with both feet on the ground, hollow metal balls are tossed to see how close the player can get to a small wooden ball called a cochonnet, or piglet. My poem is about the game and a tradition that evolved around it. Enjoy. . . .

A sleepy French village is the scene

Mid-afternoon of a day so serene

Two locals relaxing at a sidewalk café

Each with a glass of nouveau Beaujolais

Discussing everything under the sun

World problems solved, talk is done

Next, it’s the favorite French pastime sport

And off they go to the local “Boules” court

 Friends, both passionate about this game,

 Each aims to add another win to his name

The circle is drawn and the “cochonnet” tossed

Time will tell who’s won and who has lost

Woe is he who’s doesn’t make a score

‘Cause his ego will be bruised and sore

For him, it will be a fate worst than any

As he’s escorted to the café to kiss “La Fanny”

                            Poem by Herm Meyer

Stuff:

The first person to score thirteen points is the winner in Pétanque. Early in the history of the game a café waitress took pity on any one that lost the game 13-to-0 by allowing the loser to kiss her on the cheek.

However, when the mayor of the town came in and demanded his kiss she, spitefully, got up on a chair and exposed her bottom to him. The Mayor obliged by kissing both “cheeks”; thus the tradition of “La Fanny” was established which is still carried on today with “Fannies” cast out of plaster or ceramic.

Here's an example . . . . .