Jerrice J. Baptiste’s 2025 Jazz Poetry Calendar

December 31st, 2024

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

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Dear Readers…Welcome to 2025!

…..The poems of Haitian-born and current Hudson Valley, New York resident Jerrice J. Baptiste frequently activate readers’ far-flung imaginations, and transport them to places of emotional awareness, depth, and love.  They are elegantly sparse, moving, and romantic, and seamlessly connect her language to music and, often, to the calendar.

…..Earlier this year she submitted a poem, “September Song,” that linked a longing for romantic love with the colors of the changing season, inspiring me to imagine a musical companion to it – Tony Bennett’s  “Maybe September.”  Last December, her delicately crafted short poem “That’s What I Want For Christmas” interpreted the Nancy Wilson  recording, providing an avenue to be reminded of the legendary singer’s playful (and under-exposed) holiday song.

…..It became clear to me that, given the chance, Jerrice could be inspired to write a poem dedicated to every month of the year, providing readers an extensive glimpse at her gifts, and allowing me an opportunity to interpret the poems with images and music.

…..Thus, this 12-month 2025 calendar of jazz poetry, courtesy of Jerrice, 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 Charlie Parker.   Each poem is read by Jerrice, and is also accompanied by an image and song I chose to interpret it.

….It is with pride that I begin my 2025 journey editing  Jerry Jazz Musician by presenting Jerrice’s jazz poetry calendar.

I hope you enjoy…

Sincerely,

Joe Maita

Editor/Publisher

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Readers can click to the next month at the conclusion of each poem.  You can also go to each month by clicking on the months here:

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

 

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Click here to read Jerrice’s poem for January

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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 here to read Jerrice’s poem for January

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55 comments on “Jerrice J. Baptiste’s 2025 Jazz Poetry Calendar”

    1. Thank you Joanne for expressing your joy for this Jazz Poetry Calendar! Yes, I agree it’s a great start to the New Year! I do hope you get to explore as many of the poems, songs & photographs as possible!
      Thanks for commenting! Best wishes, Jerrice

      Reply

    1. Just listened to “April in Paris.” Jerrice, you are giving a relevant voice to the voices and artistry of the past. The passion that Sarah Vaughan and the composers could only allude to you have enriched with your poetic interpretation of their feelings. Your respect for their work reveals their excellence in jazz rendition and your sensitivity as a poet .

      Reply

  4. This poem is sensual and captivating it makes me want to listen to this jazz song. thank you for putting it in towards what I feel are strong emotions.

    Reply

    1. Thank you Emmanuel for reading, listening, reflecting, commenting on our Jazz Poetry Calendar!
      An abundance of gratitude for your beautiful words written here!
      Best wishes, Jerrice

      Reply

  6. A really lovely concept, Joe and Jerrice…I’m looking forward to reading what each month of 2025 inspires!

    Reply

    1. Thank you Connie!
      Joe was amazing is his vision for this poetry calendar project! It’s been a true collaboration!
      I feel blessed! You can read each poem here on this website for each month! Thanks for commenting!
      Best wishes, Jerrice

      Reply

    2. Définitivement tu me charmes avec tes poèmes.
      ” bonsoir Ms. Gardot ” m’excite à écrire mon propre poème.
      Bravo Jerrice.

      Reply

  7. I love your visual use of color and your cool sensations of wind and rain. Your words show the essence of changes in time. Very befitting of a calendar with the monthly honor of the representatives of jazz. Concrete and real.

    Reply

    1. Thank you Mary!

      This wonderful project has given me the opportunity to capture & express what I feel when I listen to Jazz!

      Thanks for reading & listening!
      Best wishes for the new year!
      Jerrice

      Reply

    1. Thank you Carolyn!
      Jazz is a gift and I feel grateful that my poetry can be a gift through which jazz can be appreciated even more!!
      Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment! I appreciate it!
      Best wishes, Jerrice

      Reply

    1. Merci beaucoup Roodly!
      C’est un grand joie d’etre ton inspiration!
      C’est magnifique ton compliment! Jerrice

      Reply

    1. Thanks so much Catherine! I’m glad you could feel the summer season and its beauty through my poem. Thanks for taking the time to read & enjoy it! Best wishes, Jerrice

      Reply

  14. Wow. Such a powerful poem, Jerrice. I love the unveiling of details about your and your partner’s emotional states through such beautiful imagery. The way the story unfolded was captivating — it kept me reaching for the next line to figure out what was going on, and to see how it would resolve. I love that the resolution to such scary possibilities was found not just by the doctor saying they didn’t find anything wrong, but also through mindful walks in nature. Such an important lesson that anyone can benefit from learning– how to move through difficult emotions using presence of mind.

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much Allison! I’m glad you were so moved by my poem “August Blues” and that you learned so much from it. How nature can be a source of healing for all of us. I’m thrilled the imagery was powerful and suspenseful! Thanks for reading, listening and commenting! Happy New year!
      Jerrice

      Reply

  15. So beautiful! The journey of falling in love: from thawing the jaded ponds of your heart to breaking free from icy borders to let rushing waters of love be free — to finally let the love not only in, but to let all the love within yourself out. I also love the imagery of the heart described as “red chambers”, it evokes such truth in the matters of the heart: the heart is not just a completed puzzle handed to a lover, it is something to explore in the process of loving, if you are granted that entrance to the “red chambers”. Stunning, Jerrice.

    Reply

  16. “November Affair” is so intimate and laced with such visceral details that I can really picture and feel this moment in time. What a lovely depiction of a slow, lovely evening.

    Reply

    1. Thank you Allison for reading my poem “November Affair.” I appreciate your presence of mind to grasp the details of language, and imagery. It is a complex poem, I’m grateful it touched you so much!
      Best wishes, Jerrice

      Reply

  17. Jerrice, in addition to your January poem (“Hey Julie”), I’m loving “August Blues” and October’s “Sweet Lilac Wine.”

    Again, the concept of a Jazz Poetry calendar? Perfect 👌 💞

    Reply

    1. Hi Connie,

      It’s so wonderful that you returned to read more of my poems in the Jazz poetry calendar!! Thank you for reading and commenting. I’m glad “August Blues” and “Sweet Lilac Wine” are some of your favorites! Me too! Joy & gratitude, Jerrice

      Reply

  18. The idea of writing poems celebrating jazz musicians is very unique and intriguing. I am not familiar with some of the musicians here, but your words paint wonderful pictures of the ones I do know while at the same time combining the imagery of the calendar month. Well done.

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much Nicole! I appreciate your comment. These poems are a celebration of life and jazz! So glad you’re enjoying all the jazz artists here! Best wishes, Jerrice

      Reply

    1. Thanks so much Bichini for returning to read more of my poems! I’m glad you love the poems especially the one about Ms. Gardot! C’est magnifique! Best wishes, Jerrice

      Reply

  20. Jerrice, this calendar project was just perfect for you. You are an extraordinary poet and the blending of your poems with these incredible artists just makes your words even sweeter. April in Paris was exquisite. Thank you!

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much Sandi! Glad you enjoyed April in Paris! Thanks for your thoughtful comment! I loved selecting the songs and writing the poems to complement the songs. It was a fun project! Best wishes, Jerrice

      Reply

  21. Love the humor and fun:
    !A poem about a dream of ladybirds
    Who crashed through to real life and ate up the dreamer’s real life
    Strawberries!

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much Priscilla! I’m thrilled you love June Bugs & Berries! This imaginative poem was a blast to write! Lots & lots of fun! Thanks for your joyful comment! Best wishes, Jerrice

      Reply

  22. What a wonderful concept! I just love this jazz + poetry calendar to bring in the New Year 2025 – such a rich and brilliant pairing of images, poetry and jazz. Jerrice’s lyrical poems so wonderfully capture the essence of the music and musician , and the senses and spirit of each seasons too. W such a great collaborative creative project! Will be a treat to visit through the months. Thank you!

    Reply

    1. WOW! Thanks so much Bonnie! It’s so fabulous that you will be revisiting the poems of the calendar throughout the months! Glad you admire the creativity
      and love of this project for this year! Best wishes, Jerrice

      Reply

    1. Thanks so much Carolyn for returning to read more of my poems! I’m thrilled you love my February poem, Bonsoir Ms. Gardot! C’est magnifique! I appreciate your love for the images & repetition. Thanks again! Best wishes, Jerrice

      Reply

  24. Juliie,
    le titre du poeme de Janvier.
    Ce poeme est tres interessant .
    Je l’aime beaucoup Jerrice.
    Bon travail.

    Reply

    1. Merci beaucoup Mirlande! Je te remercie pour tes compliments!
      C’est un grand plaisir pour moi que tu aimes “Hey Julie.” Je l’adore aussi! Jerrice

      Reply

  25. Sweet lilac wine
    Définitivement Jerrice c’est confirmé que tu es une poète talentueuse.
    Excelsior ma nièce.

    Reply

    1. Merci beaucoup ma tante Mirlande! Je suis heureuse que tu aimes Sweet Lilac Wine! J’apprecie ton compliment! Avec joie, Jerrice

      Reply

    1. Thanks so much Anya! I’m happy you love the poem! Yes, looking forward to your next comment for next month’s poem! Best wishes! Jerrice

      Reply

  27. I love Sarah Vaughan and the song is beautiful. This whole idea of your poems Jerrice, coupled with the music it’s just extraordinary! You are so talented and wish all the best. Eyes Up! 💙

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much Valerie! I’m glad you love Sarah Vaughan singing April in Paris and my poem! Thanks for your encouraging comment too! Best wishes, Jerrice

      Reply

  29. Thank you so much Connie for reading! I’m glad you enjoyed January’s poem and are excited about next month’s offering.
    Best wishes,
    Jerrice

    Reply

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