.
.
The Sunday Poem is published weekly, and strives to include the poet reading their work.
Michael Keshigian reads his poem at its conclusion.
.
.
___
.
.
“Bluesnik,” by Martel Chapman
.
.
Jazz Improv
I am the sound,
the spontaneous voice you hear
beyond the melodic trance,
an array of multi-timbred,
fragmented, impetuous harmonies and rhythms
to carry you into an alternate dimension,
the spine of excitement,
that improvisational layer you crave
for stimulation and enjoyment.
My arms extend enough
to touch your soul,
transport your likeness
through an unexpected
albeit tonal experience.
You may pant or sigh,
even hold your breath
as you embrace my essence for relief,
absorb my audible journey
to imbibe a vital, consequential emotion
for continuance.
Dance within as I intwine
your daily travails
to lift you from your entangled web
and release you
into a realm of imagination
where the aesthetic flood
severs those shackles that bind you,
revealing the joyful world of sound,
a distraction your soul will embrace,
in which you will linger
long after my voice has stopped,
a sensation induced to pacify your travails;
that distraction you seek.
.
Listen to Michael Keshigian read his poem
.
.
___
.
.
Listen to the 1963 recording of John Coltrane playing “Impressions,” with McCoy Tyner (piano); Jimmy Garrison (bass); and Elvin Jones (drums). [Universal Music Group]
.
.
___
.
.
Michael Keshigian is the author of 14 poetry collections, his most recent, What to Do With Intangibles, from Cyberwit.net. His work has appeared in numerous national and international journals as well as many online publications, including California Quarterly, Chiron Review, Tipton Poetry Journal, San Pedro River Review, Oak Bend Review, and Sierra Nevada Review. He is a 7-time Pushcart Prize and 3-time Best Of The Net nominee.
.
.
___
.
.
Martel Chapman found artistic inspiration in Francis Wolff’s cover photograph of John Coltrane’s Blue Train album, and has been creating art honoring the artistic geniuses of jazz music ever since.
Click here to visit his website
.
___
.
.
Click here to read previous editions of The Sunday Poem
Click here to read “A Collection of Jazz Poetry – Spring/Summer, 2024 Edition”
Click here to read “Not From Around Here,” Jeff Dingler’s winning story in the 66th Jerry Jazz Musician Short Fiction Contest
Click here for information about how to submit your poetry or short fiction
Click here to subscribe to the (free) Jerry Jazz Musician quarterly newsletter
Click here to help support the ongoing publication of Jerry Jazz Musician, and to keep it commercial-free (thank you!)
.
___
.
.
Jerry Jazz Musician…human produced (and AI-free) since 1999
.
.
.
