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“me, Jan Garbarek, and you” — a poem by Dan Franch

December 12th, 2017

_____

“me, Jan Garbarek, and you”

snow fell
like notes from
Jan Garbarek’s saxophone
as we stood in Raekoja Plats

drinking mulled wine and marveling
at the size of the Christmas tree.

It was crowded and festive; sure,
there was a holiday feel
but not the kind that moves me

the buskers, revelers, piped-in music;
it was all too cheerful, didn’t make me merry

I just wanted to get back home –
to a blanket. to the fire. with you.
and listen to the silent spaces
created by his saxophone.

_____

Originally from the Chicagoland area, Dan Franch has lived and taught in America, Africa, and Europe. A former newspaper columnist and cartoonist in Luxembourg, Dan, who now lives in Estonia, does his best to continue traveling, writing, and staying fit.

Tags: Dan Franch, jan garbarek, jazz poetry, poetry

3 comments on ““me, Jan Garbarek, and you” — a poem by Dan Franch”

susandale says:

December 13, 2017 at 7:16 am

rhythm, much meaning in a minimum of words … this poem has it all

Reply
danflux says:

December 14, 2017 at 6:02 am

Those are very meaningful words, particularly as I try to live my life as a minimalist. Thanks for taking the time to comment –

Reply
Michael L. Newell says:

December 14, 2017 at 9:40 am

Fine work, Dan. Your poem finds the right words to bring Garbarek’s work to life. I saw and heard him in Tallinn fourteen or fifteen years ago. Outstanding musician, good poem in his honor.

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