Motion (for Elvin Jones)
by Freddington
With a smooth exactness,
the cyclone carries time upwards,
As a fountainspray,
Precisioned patterns dispersing
across the air’s divide,
The whirlwind’s arc touching the clouds,
Seeding them,
Emerging wet and elliptical,
Finally returning on the wind,
A downward draft to crash among the metal discs,
The booming parade-march heartbeat.
In sync with the Earth,
The interlocking push and pull pulse,
The rollover transference of evening’s descent,
to the open envelope of tomorrow,
The grinning cyclone storms around the kit,
wading deep in the percussion array.
He drums and sweats,
propelling the world.
_____
Freddington works as a shipper/receiver in Toronto, Canada, and has been a lifelong jazz fan ever since he was “corrupted” as a teenager by Charles Mingus’ “Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting.”
wonderful poems
Really liked Newell’s ‘Sketches of Spain’, a really strong haiku-variation.
Really liked Newell’s ‘Sketches of Spain’, a really strong haiku-variation.
Love this poem, very descriptive.
Love this poem, very descriptive.
I like this poem, What Billie Sang About, it’s very inspiring.
Thank you, Judy.
I like this poem, What Billie Sang About, it’s very inspiring.
Thank you, Judy.
I clearly visualize Spain’s intensely blue skies in “Sketches of Spain.” The last line of that poem is stunning–doing exactly what powerful music does–opens the soul. I look forward to reading your forthcoming book of poems.
I clearly visualize Spain’s intensely blue skies in “Sketches of Spain.” The last line of that poem is stunning–doing exactly what powerful music does–opens the soul. I look forward to reading your forthcoming book of poems.
“Pure Vinyl” is a good poem about one of my favorite albums, Two of a Mind. Well-done. It is a pleasure to see Mulligan and Desmond given their considerable due. I wore out my vinyl copy years ago.
“Pure Vinyl” is a good poem about one of my favorite albums, Two of a Mind. Well-done. It is a pleasure to see Mulligan and Desmond given their considerable due. I wore out my vinyl copy years ago.
Thanks Michael. I have both the vinyl and the CD. Your three short poems are great. Your contributions wonderful.
“Motion (for Elvin Jones)”: It is a pleasure to see one of the often ignored greats being given his due, a smoking hot drummer being honored with appropriate language. Way cool.
“Motion (for Elvin Jones)”: It is a pleasure to see one of the often ignored greats being given his due, a smoking hot drummer being honored with appropriate language. Way cool.
“Revelation” is good work. The final two stanzas are outstanding. They raise the hair on the back of my neck.
Revelation is good work. The final two stanzas are outstanding. They raise the hair on the back of my neck.
Dan Smith’s poem is very cool with a humorous bite in its closing lines. A good poem for oral presentation.
Dan Smith’s poem is very cool with a humorous bite in its closing lines. A good poem for oral presentation.
Dear Mr. Newell:
So glad that you liked my poem. I plan to add this to either my jazz poems set or my Cleveland Suite with The Deep Cleveland Trio.
I greatly enjoy John Stupp’s poem, “Four Pigeons” — I can envision Carl Sandburg reading it and bestowing his blessing on such fine work.
I greatly enjoy John Stupp’s poem, “Four Pigeons” — I can envision Carl Sandburg reading it and bestowing his blessing on such fine work.
Thanks for the kind words Michael. I’m just a sideman in this band. There’s a lot of good poems here.
“What Billie Sang About” is a poem that touches the heart, and summons up a jazz giant in all her pain and musical power. One can feel the empathy the poet has for the singer.
“What Billie Sang About” is a poem that touches the heart, and summons up a jazz giant in all her pain and musical power. One can feel the empathy the poet has for the singer.
Roger Singer’s “Release” captures admirably the pain, grief, and loss that has filled the work of so many jazz artists over the past century. Powerful work.
Roger Singer’s “Release” captures admirably the pain, grief, and loss that has filled the work of so many jazz artists over the past century. Powerful work.
So proud to publish such talented poets, and to see a community develop. I am very grateful to all writers who think enough of Jerry Jazz Musician to submit work for consideration.
So proud to publish such talented poets, and to see a community develop. I am very grateful to all writers who think enough of Jerry Jazz Musician to submit work for consideration.
All of the poems had some great poetic technique. I enjoyed them all. For Michael Newell. All the poems you have had in JJM, I have liked very much. You have a way of creating imagery, that really stays in the mind.
All of the poems had some great poetic technique. I enjoyed them all. For Michael Newell. All the poems you have had in JJM, I have liked very much. You have a way of creating imagery, that really stays in the mind.