Toulouse-Lautrec: My Beloved Moulin Rouge

Everyone lives with a flaw or two. But really— so what? The things you try to hide look rather charming to me. Come now— let the night begin! Bonsoir, La Goulue! Beautiful as ever. And the ladies by your side— charming, every one! Salut, Yvette! You didn’t like my portrait? Oh, don’t sulk so. Your lips were far too lovely— I only made them larger! Please, don’t take offense. Let me paint you again tonight. Oh, Montmartre! Moulin Rouge! Dansez, riez, embrassez-vous ! All of you living your lives tonight— I simply love you. I have no need for ideals. It’s you I want to paint. The ugly, the ridiculous— give them gloss, give them curves, and make them shine just a little! Dancing legs. Laughing mouths. A drunken face. I look at you and reach for my brush. The aches in my body, all that holds me back— when I’m here with you, it all disappears. Another drink! Tonight, we paint! Bonsoir, mesdemoiselles! Comfortable tonight? I wonder who will call on you. Let’s hope he’s not a bore. Ça alors! Two of you sharing one bed, your lips meeting softly. You look a little wistful, yet happy. There are many ways to hold someone close. Please, don’t take offense. Let me paint you again tonight. Oh, Montmartre! Moulin Rouge! Dansez, riez, embrassez-vous ! All of you living your lives tonight— I simply love you. I have no need for ideals. It’s you I want to paint! The ugly, the ridiculous— give them gloss, give them curves, and make them shine just a little! Dancers, drunkards, ladies of the night and lovers— laughing, crying, embracing, each living in your own way. We’re all a little ugly. We’re all a little absurd. And that’s what makes us so wonderfully human! Human beings are ugly— but life is beautiful! Santé!