The Sunday Poem: “A Trench Coat Deserves Better” – by Terrance Underwood

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The Sunday Poem  is published weekly, and strives to include the poet reading their work.

Terrance Underwood reads his poem at its conclusion.

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Trailer screenshot, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

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A Trench Coat Deserves Better

When Claude Rains
crossed that rain slick surface
on his way out of Morocco
with that other guy
after Ingrid took off
there could have been better music
some trombone harmony say
perhaps a deep sax arpeggio
a little Coleman or Ben
there was no Blues in the Night
& no one was Armstrong-ed
by a sudden trumpet flourish
only an orchestrated black tarmac melody
to an uneasy beginning of a beautiful friendship
headed in perpetuity to Brazzaville

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Listen to Terrance Underwood read his poem

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photo by Jack Underwood

Terrance Underwood is a retired Rolls-Royce Service Engineer, veteran, College Grad (B.A. History) who has been listening to recorded jazz music since he was 5-6 yrs old. One of his first memories is listening to a 78 version of “Cherokee” by Charlie Barnett.

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Listen to the December, 1941 recording of Benny Goodman’s Sextet (with Peggy Lee) performing the Harold Arlen/Johnny Mercer composition “Blues in the Night”  [Columbia]

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Click here  to view previous editions of The Sunday Poem

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Click here  for information about how to submit your poetry

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