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Open Poetry #36
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soul drifter
Senior Member
since 2004-09-08
Posts 711
Colorado

0 posted 2005-09-02 05:56 AM



Blues For Her

Oh, New Orleans, New Orleans
you're the stuff of my dreams
you're painting me in that blue neon light
and the entire Louis Armstrong songbook is in my heart tonight
and the last ringing chord of a Steinway is whirling in my head
standing on Bourbon, counting change for a cab ride back to bed
the narcotic night sky is heavy with a halo of a moon
the blinding city lights blink their gaze into my room
my dreams are of her tonight
and how her whisper would give me a fright
in the quiet poolhall atmosphere at 2 a.m.
these words to 'My Funny Valentine' are so sweet I can't even say 'em
her dress was a blue glittering supernova swaying for me
c'mon on now Sam, won't you play it for me
the words escape me but the melody is inprinted on my heart
and damned if we weren't damned from the start
but she took me to the deepest beauty of the night
discovering the wonder in her under a hazy streetlight
and when the streetlights blinked yellow like the moon behind the clouds
we'd weave our way through the drunken, boa-clad crowds
dive into a dive, drinks slidin' down our way
everyone would say, how's it going, how was your day?
when the saints go marching in, I'll be thinking of her grace
when the parade pours down the street, I'll be covering my face
with my shaking hands
don't worry 'bout me, just strike up the band
play the blues, stomp them feet
that creole rhythm has got me beat
and shattered inside, yearning for a little more scotch with my rocks
I've got a rip in my pants, a lazy eye for the ladies, and holes in my socks
but oh, New Orleans, New Orleans
you're the playland of my dreams
and you're letting me drown in the bus station noise
every time I come around down Burgundy way, all the boys
rattle and rumble for the streetlife, sucking marrow from the bone
but I'm too tired, soon I'm dying in my hotel room alone
drinking till the morning bursts in my eyes
till I slowly realize
I'm just a big fat nothing, and I've got nothing left to lose
so leave me alone, 'cause I've got an appointment with the blues
I shake and I shiver
hollerin' the blues for her

"The moon ain't romantic, it's intimidating as hell". -- Tom Waits, 'Bad Live and a Broken Heart'

© Copyright 2005 Zach Hilgefort - All Rights Reserved
Earth Angel
Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
1 posted 2005-09-02 06:13 AM


I've gotta tellya, I was hooked right from the very beginnin' of your N'Ahlins blues! ~ and was into it right to the very end.

A captivating piece of writing! You also brought vivid images back to me of my visit to New Orleans. How tragic what has happened to such a grand city and its citizens.


EA


Midnitesun
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since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647
Gaia
2 posted 2005-09-02 07:24 PM


oh Zach, you sang her true
Martie
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Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
3 posted 2005-09-02 07:40 PM


A wonderful write!!  Made me wish that I had been there.  
passing shadows
Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577
displaced
4 posted 2005-09-02 08:15 PM



ThisDiamond
Member Rara Avis
since 2002-02-22
Posts 9353
Michigan, USA
5 posted 2005-09-02 09:49 PM


Outstanding!
The emotion here had an impact like nothing I have read in quite a while.
Chin up...she is resilient.
TD

JamesMichael
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336
Kapolei, Hawaii, USA
6 posted 2005-09-06 12:34 PM


Nice writing...James
Greeneyes
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Member Rara Avis
since 2000-09-09
Posts 9903
In Your Poetic Mind
7 posted 2005-09-06 01:53 AM





you do the blues justice.....what a beautiful song.....

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