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Critical Analysis #2
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oceanvu2
Senior Member
since 2007-02-24
Posts 1066
Santa Monica, California, USA

0 posted 2007-12-05 01:59 PM


Hector plays his reggae-ton
With windows open when he’s stoned.

When Virgie’s family comes to town,
It’s Sonny Ade, boogie down.

When Darla puts her music on,
Tibetan bells, and gamelon.

And then there’s Luda,
In our living room,
Tuning her guitar to something
only she can hear,
And singing sad Ukranian love songs,
Extending vodka-ripened friendship
In this for her a lonely land.

At 3 AM, we play the blues.
My wife and I are lonely, too.



© Copyright 2007 Jim Aitken - All Rights Reserved
TomMark
Member Elite
since 2007-07-27
Posts 2133
LA,CA
1 posted 2007-12-05 02:35 PM


My dear Jim, this can't be sadder.  Music, all kinds, from all of world, are music to the heart if the heart wakes to listen. If not, all the same noise of crying.(and the beauty in sadness)

If worse

With the largest orchestra, you still want to play solo with your beloved wife beside you and she hears not a tune because your strings  have gone so you instead, "plays" your heart in silence.

A touching poem in the same language.

This is a free verse?

Tom

Try to have a wonderful day, dear Jim.

oceanvu2
Senior Member
since 2007-02-24
Posts 1066
Santa Monica, California, USA
2 posted 2007-12-05 02:52 PM


Thank you, TomMark.  There is no particular form to this at all.  It's something different for me.

Best, Jim

Yejun
Junior Member
since 2007-11-21
Posts 49

3 posted 2007-12-05 06:07 PM


No crit. I am enraptured. So seemingly simple and yet it captures many moments that, for me, have that defining characteristic:

A single, high voice, a guitar, alone -- just before I drifted off to sleep on Koh Samui.

I never met that stranger.


oceanvu2
Senior Member
since 2007-02-24
Posts 1066
Santa Monica, California, USA
4 posted 2007-12-05 07:24 PM


Thank you, Yejun.  "No crit" and "enraptured" are pretty nice words.

Jim

Stephanos
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Elite
since 2000-07-31
Posts 3618
Statesboro, GA, USA
5 posted 2007-12-06 06:39 PM


Somehow reminded me of "Sonny's Blues" by James Baldwin.  Ever read that?

Stephen

oceanvu2
Senior Member
since 2007-02-24
Posts 1066
Santa Monica, California, USA
6 posted 2007-12-06 06:52 PM


Hi Stephen -- Nope, I haven't read that one, so thanks for the tip.  The "Sonny Ade" in the poem is "King Sonny Ade and his Nigerian All Stars."  African polyrhythm trance/dance music with talking drums, horns, electric guitars and the whole shebang.  The energy level starts just below the ceiling, then blows the roof off.

Thank you, Jim

Stephanos
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Elite
since 2000-07-31
Posts 3618
Statesboro, GA, USA
7 posted 2007-12-06 10:00 PM


Jim,

"Sonny's Blues" is kind of existential.  Music (particularly blues and jazz) is linked somehow to hope and meaning in the face of absurdity.  It was just the mood of your poem that reminded me of the story.  Its a short story, not a novel.  If you get a chance read it, and let me know what you think.  I read it in college and thought it was pretty good.


Stephen

Brad
Member Ascendant
since 1999-08-20
Posts 5705
Jejudo, South Korea
8 posted 2007-12-08 05:42 PM


The most interesting think about this poem is that it creates echoes of the different types of music behind the description. I don't mean in the style but just in the memory trigger.

The funny part is that I'm not completely sure the music I 'hear' is the music that matches what's being described. I'm not sure that matters as the juxtaposition is enough to create a kind montage effect which is very powerful.

And blues (which I am sure of) was the perfect ending.


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