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“With Ella & Louis in the Living Room” – a poem by Terrance Underwood

June 17th, 2022

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The cover of the 1956 Verve album, Ella and Louis

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With Ella & Louis in the Living Room
………………………..for Carmen

She was out of the room
When the first
Pitter-patter was heard
Falling tin light on the rain gutter

“Come hear this”

Two voices well known
Seated on rough chairs
Side-by-side, an image

Ella adorned
A double strand of pearls
Accent a modest house dress

Louis
A trumpet across his lap
Socks fallen into
Plain loafers

Around us outside
An increase
To a brass downpour
When the mystery
In this moment cues the lyric
“Long as I can be with you
it’s a lovely day”

Eyes convey
Nothing further required

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photo by Jack Underwood

Terrance Underwood is a retired Rolls-Royce Service Engineer, veteran, College Grad (B.A. History) who has been listening to recorded jazz music since he was 5-6 yrs old. One of his first memories is listening to a 78 version of “Cherokee” by Charlie Barnett.

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Listen to “Isn’t It a Lovely Day,” with Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong [Universal]

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Click here for information about how to submit your poetry

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Tags: ella fitzgerald, jazz poetry, louis armstrong, poetry, Terrance Underwood

One comments on ““With Ella & Louis in the Living Room” – a poem by Terrance Underwood”

Michael L. Newell says:

June 17, 2022 at 8:48 pm

Love it. Fine poem.

Reply

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