Passing Through
by Roger Singer
Golden Gate
shadow arms
ocean and steel
ships of souls
harbors deep waters
avenues of piers
city welcome
the blood of youth
dream eyes
fear beneath
bonds of courage
leaving behind
unknown ahead
swept emotions
follow the flag
hands to battle
names like salt
the season
of moving
forward without
question
brave complete
fortunate return
never forget
the willing
the lost
Barracks 231
by Roger Singer
Brilliance of night
jazz painted into
bones of memory
and sorrow songs
from back porches
pork pie hats
dusty steps
and a sandpaper
growling dog voice
_____
Roger Singer is a prolific and accomplished contributing poet who we have proudly published for many years. Singer has had almost 800 poems published in magazines, periodicals and online journals — 400 of which are jazz poems — and has recently self-published a Kindle edition of his book of jazz poetry called Poetic Jazz.
“Jazz poetry flows out with such ease,” Singer writes on his blog. “The people and places, the alleys and sawdust jazz clubs. The stories that bring jazz alive with horns and voices, from sadness and grief to highs at midnight and love gone wrong. The jazz is within us all. Find your poem and feel the music.”
I very much liked this heartfelt poem by Joan Donovan , So very touching and relatable..
I enjoyed both of John Stupp’s poems. They reminded me of when I was child and how different things were back then.
I especially love the ending line of this poem!
Enjoyed Robert Nisbet’s poem which captured the era and The Andrew Sisters.
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Aurora
Loved Alan Yount’s poem. My mother was a young teen during WWII,she loved Billie Holiday and so do
Robert Nisbet’s poem “Servicemen” is up to his usual high standards. The final line is especially powerful.
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Michael.
“I Got Lena To Sing To Me,” by Aurora Lewis, is a first-rate poem which captures the angst of military service during wartime, along with the pleasure and relief provided by great music.
Thank you so much Michael. Not being in the service and also not during wartime, I am so thankful that I was able to get my feeling across to my reader.
John Stupp’s “Carolina Shout” is powerful and moving.
Alan Yount’s poem “Smoking an Old Meerschaum Pipe” uses a careful attention to detail to tie together very disparate elements that come to fruition in the final stanza in a pleasing way for the reader.
Roger Singer’s “Barracks 231” — oh yeah. Very nice.
Both of Dan Smith’s poems are gentle in tone and attentive to detail. They capture fundamental truths about family relationships, and war’s effect on them.
Dear Mr. Newell:
Thanks for your kind words. I am honored to have my poems included with so many excellent poems.
“Sweet Pain” by Joan Donovan captures the power of loss, loss too personal to share.
For Aurora Davis. I think your poem on Lena really captured what you could say was the “singing tone,” on war. I have always enjoyed your poems with JJM. Thanks for your comment on my poem.
Alan, thank you for enjoying my poems. I also enjoy yours.
For Michael L. Newell. I liked your poem. It caught the “spirit” of the crooners. Being a trumpet player I have all of Harry James albums. He and Frank make some great music together. Frank did his eulogy in Las Vegas. By he way, I got your two latest books. Several of the poems have stayed on my mind. Also I can’t quit thinking I wish I had come up with the title: “Traveling Without Compass or Map.” What a great overall metaphor and title!
Mr. Yount, I thank you for your kind words about my poem. I also thank you for your support of my books. Greatly appreciated. — MLN
Wonderful poems by all. I especially enjoyed Dan Smith’s poems here. Artful…and with a deep, tangible sincerity that can only come from having lived and having felt with the heart of a poet.
hey, thanks man. DCPH forever!!!