Revelation
by Victor Enns
The light on the road
to Chicago turns us
toward each other,
stories full
in our mouths.
There is room
in the Volkswagen
for what we need,
growing in the music
of Al Green and Norah Jones.
Reaching ahead of our
selves, we hold hands
as the dusk settles
her skirt around us, we
look for a bed in the dark.
The car empty
of all but the moon
we dream, in Chicago
more jazz
less blues.
_____
Victor Enns reads and writes poetry and fiction. Afghanistan Confessions, poems in the voice of Canadian soldiers, was published in 2014, boy in 2012. Lucky Man (2005) was nominated for the McNally Robinson Manitoba Book of the Year award. His poems have appeared in Canadian publications and including Rattle (print) and Shot Glass Journal (online) in the U.S.
wonderful poems
Really liked Newell’s ‘Sketches of Spain’, a really strong haiku-variation.
Really liked Newell’s ‘Sketches of Spain’, a really strong haiku-variation.
Love this poem, very descriptive.
Love this poem, very descriptive.
I like this poem, What Billie Sang About, it’s very inspiring.
Thank you, Judy.
I like this poem, What Billie Sang About, it’s very inspiring.
Thank you, Judy.
I clearly visualize Spain’s intensely blue skies in “Sketches of Spain.” The last line of that poem is stunning–doing exactly what powerful music does–opens the soul. I look forward to reading your forthcoming book of poems.
I clearly visualize Spain’s intensely blue skies in “Sketches of Spain.” The last line of that poem is stunning–doing exactly what powerful music does–opens the soul. I look forward to reading your forthcoming book of poems.
“Pure Vinyl” is a good poem about one of my favorite albums, Two of a Mind. Well-done. It is a pleasure to see Mulligan and Desmond given their considerable due. I wore out my vinyl copy years ago.
“Pure Vinyl” is a good poem about one of my favorite albums, Two of a Mind. Well-done. It is a pleasure to see Mulligan and Desmond given their considerable due. I wore out my vinyl copy years ago.
Thanks Michael. I have both the vinyl and the CD. Your three short poems are great. Your contributions wonderful.
“Motion (for Elvin Jones)”: It is a pleasure to see one of the often ignored greats being given his due, a smoking hot drummer being honored with appropriate language. Way cool.
“Motion (for Elvin Jones)”: It is a pleasure to see one of the often ignored greats being given his due, a smoking hot drummer being honored with appropriate language. Way cool.
“Revelation” is good work. The final two stanzas are outstanding. They raise the hair on the back of my neck.
Revelation is good work. The final two stanzas are outstanding. They raise the hair on the back of my neck.
Dan Smith’s poem is very cool with a humorous bite in its closing lines. A good poem for oral presentation.
Dan Smith’s poem is very cool with a humorous bite in its closing lines. A good poem for oral presentation.
Dear Mr. Newell:
So glad that you liked my poem. I plan to add this to either my jazz poems set or my Cleveland Suite with The Deep Cleveland Trio.
I greatly enjoy John Stupp’s poem, “Four Pigeons” — I can envision Carl Sandburg reading it and bestowing his blessing on such fine work.
I greatly enjoy John Stupp’s poem, “Four Pigeons” — I can envision Carl Sandburg reading it and bestowing his blessing on such fine work.
Thanks for the kind words Michael. I’m just a sideman in this band. There’s a lot of good poems here.
“What Billie Sang About” is a poem that touches the heart, and summons up a jazz giant in all her pain and musical power. One can feel the empathy the poet has for the singer.
“What Billie Sang About” is a poem that touches the heart, and summons up a jazz giant in all her pain and musical power. One can feel the empathy the poet has for the singer.
Roger Singer’s “Release” captures admirably the pain, grief, and loss that has filled the work of so many jazz artists over the past century. Powerful work.
Roger Singer’s “Release” captures admirably the pain, grief, and loss that has filled the work of so many jazz artists over the past century. Powerful work.
So proud to publish such talented poets, and to see a community develop. I am very grateful to all writers who think enough of Jerry Jazz Musician to submit work for consideration.
So proud to publish such talented poets, and to see a community develop. I am very grateful to all writers who think enough of Jerry Jazz Musician to submit work for consideration.
All of the poems had some great poetic technique. I enjoyed them all. For Michael Newell. All the poems you have had in JJM, I have liked very much. You have a way of creating imagery, that really stays in the mind.
All of the poems had some great poetic technique. I enjoyed them all. For Michael Newell. All the poems you have had in JJM, I have liked very much. You have a way of creating imagery, that really stays in the mind.