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Open Poetry #16
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The Harmonica Man
| Open Poetry #16 |
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The Harmonica Man |
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Jon Mewett Senior Member
since 2000-03-04
Posts 1304 |
The Devil baptized the harmonica man He’d held his hand in Vietnam And now he sits on Victory Street An old tin box rests at his feet And the passing crowd if they’ve got the time May throw a nickel or a dime To help to make his day more whole To try and cleanse his troubled soul So make an effort if you can To listen to the harmonica man The notes he plays are from the heart And though he makes a shaky start The melody is honest blues True……he misses the timing ques' The bending notes reflecting pain Of the things he’d done when he was sane He’d fought the fight and fought it fair But nobody somehow seemed to care The killing fields where hatred ran Had shaped the poor harmonica man The bitter cold on Victory Street Had chilled his heart and numbed his feet The thread bear coat upon his back You wouldn’t use it for a sack His lips can hardly grip the harp That’s why he plays a little sharp The last good meal was just three days The bottle helps create a daze One thing for sure he’s paid his dues The harmonica man can play the blues The oblivion of the passing crowd Help stretch the notes that form his shroud Muddy Waters and Brownie McGhee All take their turn to flesh his plea The bitter melody ascends and falls I’m at the crossroads Johnson calls He sucks and blows his silver toy You’d mistake him now for Sonny Boy Willie Dixon and Sleepy John If they’d had pain then bring them on The harmonica man doesn’t hold a grudge And as the crowd in their daily trudge Ignore his offerings of reed and tongue He knows they cannot sing his song Because you've got to live the life Of conscience pricked with guilty knife Of passed deeds done against the grain Of sorrow felt ……..and your past distain So next time you see him if you can Listen to the harmonica man Jon Mewett |
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| © Copyright 2001 Jon Mewett - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Tracey Member Elite
since 2001-08-29
Posts 2808where insanity meets breeding |
This is a heart wrenching story you have penned. You have done it most beautifully. I will never again be able to pass a harmonica man on the street. (although, truth to tell, I often do stop to listen to street musicians) If she who dies with the most toys wins, then can I have some toy boys please? |
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Startime Member Ascendant
since 2000-10-03
Posts 5918Canada |
Bringing tears to my eyes as I read this heartfelt poem is a good thing for you made me stop and think. My heart goes out to all those who fought in a war and sacrificed so much of their own hearts. *sigh* this poem is powerful and a wonderful reminder to us all not to forget. Thank you so much for sharing it. I know I will never forget this harmonica man. Love I leave with you whether it is in your life now or yet the essense of your dreams. |
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Sudhir Iyer Member Ascendant
since 2000-04-26
Posts 6943Mumbai, India : now in Belgium |
This is splendidly incredible... Feels great to read your work, Jon. Regards, Sudhir |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
This goes far beyond being just another good poem. Your empathy flows with these words. This point of view, from the street person, is rarely expressed. And the saddest part is, this story is played out 'round the world, in different tongues, with different war memories, but all too often the same reaction...give the man a dime, but not your time. How much time does it take to stop and share a word of comfort and understanding with another human? How much more time do we have to just keep throwing those dimes? |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Jon~ A wonderfully emotionally moving piece~ Nicely ... very nicely done~ ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Jon--A very touching and well done poem. |
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Nightshade
since 2001-08-31
Posts 13962just out of reach |
Dear Jon, Wow. This reminds me of a Mr. Bojangles sort of story. Very touching. Chris Life is not measured by breaths you take, but by moments that take your breath away. |
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Jon Mewett Senior Member
since 2000-03-04
Posts 1304 |
Well thanx everybody.....your reading and commenting is much appreciated........this was a real life 'Harmonica Man' that I stood and watched on a busy shopping street while waiting for a friend. It is sad that this is true all over the globe...they are a sort of product of our society I guess. We can all say 'There but for the grace of God'at one time or another during our life? Thanks again Stay warm Jon |
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