“Charlie Parker in End of Winter” – a poem (for March) by Jerrice J. Baptiste

March 1st, 2025

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Jerrice J. Baptiste’s 12-month 2025 calendar of jazz poetry winds through the upcoming year with her poetic grace while inviting us to wander through music by the likes of Hoagy Carmichael, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Sarah Vaughan,  Melody Gardot and Nina Simone.  She welcomes March with a poem devoted to Charlie Parker…

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March, 2025

“Charlie Parker in End of Winter”

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photo by William Gottlieb/Library of Congress; Design by Rhonda R. Dorsett

 

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Charlie Parker in End of Winter

March winds swirl.
Frozen is the pond
where children skate.

In New York we wrap
our toes in pure white
wool blankets.

Bird blows ample warmth
from his alto saxophone
on our vinyl records.

The lover man
we don’t wonder
where he can be.

In March, blue icicles hang
in perimeter of living rooms. Ears
swing like in Jazz clubs in busy city.

We savor wine & whiskey.
We speak the language
of the virtuoso god.

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Listen to Jerrice J. Baptiste read her poem

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Listen to Charlie Parker play “Loverman”  [The Orchard]

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Readers can click to each month of Jerrice’s 2025 calendar of jazz poetry  by clicking on the link to the months here:

Jan/Feb/Mar/Apr/May/Jun/Jul/Aug/Sep/Oct/Nov/Dec/Intro

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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.

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Click for:

The Sunday Poem

More poetry on Jerry Jazz Musician

“Bluesette,” Salvatore Difalco’s winning story in the 67th Jerry Jazz Musician Short Fiction Contest

More short fiction on Jerry Jazz Musician

Information about how to submit your poetry or short fiction

Subscribe to the (free) Jerry Jazz Musician quarterly newsletter

Helping to support the ongoing publication of Jerry Jazz Musician, and to keep it commercial-free (thank you!)

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19 comments on ““Charlie Parker in End of Winter” – a poem (for March) by Jerrice J. Baptiste”

  2. Thanks so much Carolyn! I’m glad you love those 2 lines. They’re my favorite too!
    Best wishes
    Jerrice

    Reply

  4. Thanks so much Mary! I’m glad it created a nostalgic feeling for you!
    Best wishes
    Jerrice

    Reply

  5. Thanks so much Mary D.! I’m glad it created a nostalgic feeling for you!
    Best wishes
    Jerrice

    Reply

    1. I’m so grateful you were able to read and listen to the poem Susan!
      Warm wishes!
      Jerrice

      Reply

  8. I love the line “Ears swing like in Jazz clubs in busy city” – such a unique piece of imagery! Beautiful poem, Jerrice.

    Reply

    1. Thanks again Allison for visiting Jerry Jazz Musician Magazine! Glad you find the poem to be a special one!
      Warm wishes
      Jerrice

      Reply

    1. It’s so great that this line in the poem stands out to you Connie! Thrilled you love it!
      Best wishes
      Jerrice

      Reply

  11. Thank you so much Allison! I appreciate your beautiful comment!
    Have a happy Sunday! Thanks for visiting Jerry Jazz Musician Magazine!

    Best wishes
    Jerrice

    Reply

  12. Jerrice is not just a heartfelt poet and writer but a wonderful, calming human being who touches the hearts and emotions of writers everywhere. It is a joy to write with her online every first Saturday.

    Reply

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