“If You Were Julie London” – a poem by Jerrice J. Baptiste

December 11th, 2024

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CBS Television, via Wikimedia Commons

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If You Were Julie London

Maybe, whisper of your voice
could bring home
……………………your far away love
before icicles begin to form.
……………………It could be so.

Maybe, promise of warmth
from your extended arms
………..would make December
a month to remember.
………..It could be so.

Maybe, by fireplace glowing
You’d sit with hands interlacing.
………..It could be so.
Maybe, your world would be ecstasy
if only you knew her melody.

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Jerrice J Baptiste is a poet and author of nine books. Her most recent book of poems Coral in the Diaspora is published by Abode Press (August 2024). Her poems have been published in Mantis, Penumbra Literary Art Journal,  Pensive: A Global Journal of Spirituality & The Arts, The Dewdrop, Urthona: Buddhism & Art and numerous others. Her poetry and collaborative songwriting are featured on the nominated Grammy award album: Many Hands Family Music for Haiti.

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Listen to the 1956 recording of Julie London singing the Bob Russell composition “Warm December” [The Orchard]

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

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30 comments on ““If You Were Julie London” – a poem by Jerrice J. Baptiste”

  8. “Maybe, your world would be ecstasy
    if only you knew her melody.”

    What an inspiring poem inspired by such a wonderful artist!

    Thanks, Jerrice!

    Reply

  9. Jerrica has a beautiful soul! Such warmth in this poem! Can’t wait to read more of your poetry! Love the poem! I’m going to order your book!

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much Cathy for your kind words! So happy you will order my book Coral in The Diaspora! Joy, Jerrice 🙏🩷

      Reply

  13. I love how each stanza begins with the word maybe, and allows for the magic that can transform our lives with love! Thank you for this beautiful poem!

    Reply

    1. Thanks for your keen observations here Priscilla! I appreciate these beautiful words you shared here😊💖🙏

      Reply

  16. ah yes, to maybe be that easter bunny seducing a warmth from the long winter nights with her soft magical whispers.. to have the power to bring my love home…
    what a beautifully crafted poem from a deeply committed poetsoul, filling my Yuletime Season with honest layers of reflection and joy <3

    Reply

  17. I love the longing in this poem, with its intriguing title putting me in Julie London’s shoes – even if I realize I can’t quite stay there with the last line! Brava.

    Reply

  18. This poem was very appealing to me, I enjoyed reading it more then once. The imagery in this poem is absolutely stunning, especially the line that went like “Maybe, your world would be ecstasy if only you knew her melody”.

    Reply

  19. Maybe…It could be so.
    The in between so beautiful and beautifully framed.
    This should/could be a new song.

    Reply

  20. This poem is beautifully crafted leaving all the picturescape imagery resonating with a cadence and rhythm that is totally unique to you. As lovely and full of love and longing as the Julie London recording. This touching poem is as good as laughter in a house on a grey and dreary day.

    Reply

  22. Such a beautiful poem. It has an interesting mix of dreamy imagery and a melancholic tone. It feels like a relationship that you want so badly to work, but can’t imagine it actually working unless something changes fundamentally. Definitely makes you think. Amazing work, Jerrice!

    Reply

  23. Thank you to all who have read and have taken the time to write a meaningful, heartfelt comment on my poem!
    So glad it resonated with all of you!

    Joy & gratitude
    Jerrice

    Reply

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