“Bathing in Light of Sarah Vaughan” – a poem by Jerrice J. Baptiste

September 24th, 2025

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Art by Jerrice J. Baptiste

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Bathing in Light of Sarah Vaughan

 

My sweetheart asks me why? Why
do you keep her
in shadow of Ella, Nina, Billie?

Not a delicate purple tulip
in vase in corner of the room.
Hummingbird flutters, cobalt blue
wings to your notes of romance.

In my bathtub, bubbles scatter.
ascend to your heaven,
your mystical tone.

Goddess, I kept in shadow of
other singers. I’m floating
in your can-do attitude
by candle light.

Allow me tonight
as I place you
Ms. Vaughan on a pedestal,
where you belong.

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Jerrice  J. Baptiste  is a poet and author of nine books, Her most recent poetry book  Coral in The Diaspora  is published by Abode Press (August 2024). She’s been nominated twice for a Pushcart Prize (2024 & 2025), and Best of the Net in 2022.   Jerrice‘s poems and collaborative songwriting are featured on the Grammy nominated album Many Hands Family Music for Haiti.  Her watercolor drawings on paper have been shown in exhibits in California and New York this year.

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Listen to the 1957 recording of Sarah Vaughan singing the George Gershwin composition “I’ve Got a Crush on You,” with the Hal Mooney Orchestra [Universal Music Group]

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More poetry on Jerry Jazz Musician

“My Vertical Landscape,” Felicia A. Rivers’ winning story in the 69th Jerry Jazz Musician Short Fiction Contest

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10 comments on ““Bathing in Light of Sarah Vaughan” – a poem by Jerrice J. Baptiste”

    1. Thank you Anya! I’m thrilled you loved my poem! Thanks for reading and visiting Jerry Jazz Musician Magazine!
      Happy Autumn
      Joy
      Jerrice

      Reply

    1. Wow! I loved your comment Cristina! It made me read and listened again to the lovely Sarah Vaughan!
      Thank you!
      Joy
      Jerrice

      Reply

    2. Thank you Cristina for your beautiful comment! I appreciate you visiting Jerry Jazz Musician Magazine!
      Happy Autumn!
      Joy
      Jerrice

      Reply

  3. Jerrice makes me want to spin Sarah Vaughan on my turntable, draw a bubble bath, and dream of love. Such an evocative experience!

    Reply

    1. Hi Hollie! Thanks for your comment. A bubble bath and listening to Sarah Vaughan sounds wonderful
      Thanks again for visiting Jerry Jazz Musician Magazine. I’m glad I could create that desire for you!
      Joy
      Jerrice

      Reply

    2. Thank you so much Hollie for enjoying the poem and song! I appreciate your visit to Jerry Jazz Musician Magazine!
      Joy
      Jerrice

      Reply

    1. Thanks so much Joanne for your precious comment! I appreciate you visiting Jerry Jazz Musician Magazine!
      Joy
      Jerrice

      Reply

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