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Open Poetry #37
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serenity blaze
Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738


0 posted 2006-01-27 06:00 AM


*  *  *  *  *

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*  *  *

"Here." I'm givin' you my heart,
and no, don't be afraid, it is
really not so much these days -
kinda like a 'Joplin' brick
I saw for sale on e bay once
as if she didn't give enough.
But Port Arthur stalked her fame -
they took that famous Ball and Chain
to all that they could ever claim
as theirs
except her pain, of course.

*  *  *

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(She'd cackle when she called it "home".)

*  *  *

I almost placed a bid on it
thinking there's a cornerstone
for a temple to be built
in honor of the things I'd known

existed--never visited
(scratching Venice off the list)
and trysts between my fingered fist
housing guilt I would not miss:

"Here's the steeple.
Here's the church."
A unity of self - reversed -
waggles of the finger people
accusing me of being me

*  *  *

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(and don't forget to bring your purse.)

*  *  *

I guess I never did belong
just like Janis never did.
I did not see the high school prom -
that one wasn't on my list.
There was no one I'd let take me -
at times I wish someone had asked
and just in case I learned to dance
and tap is now my specialty.

(I hate formalities.)

But Janis would have danced real slow
some lucky guy, he might have known
that underneath the acne cream
was a swan who tuned the scream
of spending half her life alone
and wishing what was left, away...
'cause now I know the pain of 'gone'
and 'real' was here, just yesterday.

The Arts--invisibility--
gods and principalities
etch their names in grain of trees
frozen in this winter's stream
just as the molds made by my knees
would warm my blood to dappling
confessions
absolutions, met
and holy water is just wet
and I can't say I don't feel fooled
praying in the midst of "yes"

(the mother of all godlessness)

with nothin' left to lose...

*  *  *


Image hosting by Photobucket


*  *  *  *  *

(photos courtesy of the official Janis Joplin fan club site)


© Copyright 2006 serenity blaze - All Rights Reserved
RedStoneEB
Senior Member
since 2003-06-08
Posts 772
uk
1 posted 2006-01-27 06:06 AM


Nice pictures with the poetry and great poetry
Fee
Member
since 2000-08-07
Posts 381
Melbourne, Australia
2 posted 2006-01-27 06:11 AM


A nice reminder in your words.

Hugs, Fee

Expressions,
are the most important aspects, they create impressions

0'.".'0  Just
((T))    Thinking
(..)(..) Of you
(```)_(```)

nakdthoughts
Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200
Between the Lines
3 posted 2006-01-27 06:26 AM


'cause now I know the pain of 'gone'
and 'real' was here, just yesterday.
I am with you~~~


M

LeeJ
Member Patricius
since 2003-06-19
Posts 13296

4 posted 2006-01-27 07:27 AM


confessions
absolutions, met
and holy water is just wet
and I can't say I don't feel fooled
praying in the midst of "yes"

(the mother of all godlessness)

with nothin' left to lose...

she surely had much to say...
Karen, you always have admiration and great respect, not only for the great visuals you bless us with, but for your heart with is true to self, and true to all who know and love you.

Susan Caldwell
Member Rara Avis
since 2002-12-27
Posts 8348
Florida
5 posted 2006-01-27 07:54 AM


"holy water is just wet"

*smile*

do you know how much I love that line??  

as always...blown away.

and?  everytime I really think I have nothing left to lose?  Someone opens my eyes. (and you know that).

  lady.

"too bad ignorance isn't painful"
~Unknown~

Dark Stranger
Member Patricius
since 2001-03-19
Posts 13631
West Coast
6 posted 2006-01-27 07:58 AM


ms serene..
janis would grin
saw her live
when she was a live
before I knew I was

her and jimi too
but that was a hell ago now

enjoyed the view here

Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
7 posted 2006-01-27 08:15 AM



Janis is smiling...
and I knew this
was within you,
screeching
to get
out.



.

Janet Marie
Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554

8 posted 2006-01-27 08:31 AM


was a swan who tuned the scream
of spending half her life alone
and wishing what was left, away...
'cause now I know the pain of 'gone'
and 'real' was here, just yesterday.

The Arts--invisibility--
gods and principalities
etch their names in grain of trees
frozen in this winter's stream
just as the molds made by my knees
would warm my blood to dappling
confessions
absolutions, met
*and holy water is just wet*
and I can't say I don't feel fooled
praying in the midst of "yes"

(the mother of all godlessness)

with nothin' left to lose...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

oh my my my.....

its been said before...
and WILL be said again...but THIS one will define...
Lawdy me girlie you ROCK THE RHYME!!!!

Im gidddy with gleeeee    
this is sooooo cool...I love your play of words using some of her words...and the rhyme speak made this such a gem to read aloud...

and oh this line....

was a swan who tuned the scream

thats poetic gold...
awesome write Lady K

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
9 posted 2006-01-27 09:07 AM


Were you a fan of Janis?!? ~ Duh! LOL

This is a fabulous ~and informative~ post! Not only am I grinning ~ but I bet she is as well!

Rock on, sister!

Linda

Enchantress
Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
10 posted 2006-01-27 09:15 AM


Karen..you ROCK!
And Janis is grinnin' from ear to ear!
Fantastic write lady.
Love ya,
Nancy

littlewing
Member Rara Avis
since 2003-03-02
Posts 9655
New York
11 posted 2006-01-27 09:24 AM



Civilization met her
at half treble

she still screamed the paint
off the walls
then turned to let you cry in her lap

her best friends
Southern style
and a bit o' smack

you can't blame her
been there myself
and sometimes "things"
bring more comfort than people


Texas was a magicians trick
slight of hand, and it makes me sick

she should have been born
on Venice Beach
with the freaks
is where she belonged
not in that town
where they looked down

on life

cuz' thats what she was
and what she lived
and if you think for one day
she took anything for granted
well then,
I guess ya need to read
about her simple creed
or listen to her speak
in rings of pain
watch the wag of her leg
as she poured her soul
to those
who killed her in the end.


The first time I went
to the Hard Rock
in Canada

I cried

cuz' on the wall
she smiled
and stood
bared for all
in pride

and her beads draped her breasts
she smiled her best
to me, she looked angelic
and I wanted to be her
and jump into the photo
and hug her tight
and tell her she had the might
to overcome that bleed

She is just like you and me

and someone walked by and said
"God, she is ugly"
and I sneered
and fought for her that night
and fought for her inside


If you listen to "Summertime"
turned up high
you will hear an angel sing
she would want you to sing along too
your soul on fire, with her own
I know she wouldn't mind
if you were out of tune

She wouldnt want it any other way

but she got her wish
and that was to be held high

They took her,
the angels
she needed to go

but Damn Janis,
I love YOU ~
more than your alter ego.

~~~~

Janis is my hero.  And so are you.
I love you for writing this.
You share the same soul.
(Going off to listen to my angel now.)

Susie



~~~

Dark?  You saw both of my heroes . . . damn.

icebox
Member Elite
since 2003-05-03
Posts 4383
in the shadows
12 posted 2006-01-27 10:26 AM



Thank you so much for writing this.


"and 'real' was here, just yesterday."

Like many performers she had a strong shell, an alter ego that would take over, but I met her twice in Nobody's Cafe in NYC and there was a very real person inside there, warm, honest, lonely and a little frightened. Sometimes I think there are calluses my "death" receptors but her death brought me deep despair.  I can still feel the loss of the person I met.


serenity blaze
Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738

13 posted 2006-01-27 11:22 AM


I wanted to say thank you to you all before I get all distracted by sleep.

I started out writing about something entirely different, but I just kept hearing her in my head.

"I felt 'apart' from them." She said that in an interview once, as she spoke of her former classmates, and I identified so strongly with that.

I never knew her, but I envy those who did.

I wish she could have felt all the love people had and continue to have for her, but such strong imprinting on such a fragile heart makes me tend to think she'd never believe it anyway.



sighing

Oh Janis....

and thanks all, for helping me in my attempt to honor her life.


littlewing
Member Rara Avis
since 2003-03-02
Posts 9655
New York
14 posted 2006-01-27 11:36 AM


Icey?  You met her, graced by an angel . . . and Karen, you honor yourself by writing of her.


suthern
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
15 posted 2006-01-27 12:29 PM


Almost every week... and sometimes more than once a week... I've passed a billboard on I-10 advertising the attractions of the Beaumont-Port Arthur area... Each time, there's been a twinge... it seems somehow unfair that a place should profit from producing someone who always felt a misfit... though perhaps not... for that very lack of fitting in contributed to what she was... and what made her scream of "take another little piece of my heart" so real it slipped straight into our hearts.

You've done her proud, serene one...

iliana
Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434
USA
16 posted 2006-01-27 12:57 PM


Serenity, this is the most amazing tribute to the Rose.  I never met her (saw her perform once before she was famous--awesome, dramatic--she put her whole soul into her performance) but feel like I did, and I'm seeing her again here today.  Your writing truly captures the feel of who she was to so many of our generation.  I can see where you would identify.  It takes a Rose to truly know a Rose, and I could say the same of pearls.  Love you, Lady-K.......jo
ThisDiamond
Member Rara Avis
since 2002-02-22
Posts 9353
Michigan, USA
17 posted 2006-01-27 01:02 PM


..."and holy water is just wet"

Mega-GREAT line!
Janice would have worn this pearl very well, ya know.

Hugs,
TD

Mysteria
Deputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Laureate
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada
18 posted 2006-01-27 01:05 PM


Unreal!  Great tribute to one of a kind!  I adore her.
1slick_lady
Member Ascendant
since 2000-12-22
Posts 6088
standing on a shadow's lace
19 posted 2006-01-27 03:58 PM


"...take another little piece of my heart now baby..."
latearrival
Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499
Florida
20 posted 2006-01-27 04:31 PM


Serenity, I did not make much of her when she was popular as I was into other things. But you certainly brought her to life and brought a tear to my eye for all those who like her, including myself and  my daughters,  felt a misfit in younger years. I have grown but OH,   I do remember.  I also loved  Bette Midler from the time I first saw her on  a talk show.  Johnny Carson or one before him? And didn't she play Janis in The Rose  or a like artist? sincerely, martyjo
Midnitesun
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647
Gaia
21 posted 2006-01-27 08:03 PM


so now that ya left me in tears?

Janis was
LIFE
bigger than 3D

and you?
the same, lady
much the same

jody5
Senior Member
since 2005-12-21
Posts 876
California, U.S.A.
22 posted 2006-01-27 08:24 PM


Loved Janis and love you for writing this.  Your eulogy to her is much appreciated and the artistry of your pen shows that you are truly gifted


shades of paul
Member
since 2005-12-14
Posts 370
In Reality
23 posted 2006-01-27 10:07 PM


Very cool poem (nice pics)Janis Still Rocks Me..paul

shades of peace,love,and happiness to you

The Lady
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-12-26
Posts 7634
The Southwest
24 posted 2006-01-27 10:22 PM



"And when they tell me love is pain
I said it might be true for you, honey,
But not for Janis no more, no no no no."

Ahhh... you speak so well for the lady. Yep! She's smiling all right and this poem did it for me!

Take a bow!

ps  Thanks for the pictures.
  

Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
25 posted 2006-01-27 10:32 PM


You are much like her, Karen...and that's a great compliment!!  
playing.with.crayons
Member
since 2006-01-02
Posts 362
Neverland
26 posted 2006-01-28 07:23 AM


I loved this. really truly. you have such talent
always xxx

farewell the ash-tray girl

Katerie
Member
since 2006-01-27
Posts 92
Central New York
27 posted 2006-01-28 08:10 AM


That's really good.  I know absolutely nothing about Janis Joplin, although my grandma's friend is obsessed with her.  I should have her read this. XD

Very effective rhyme.

serenity blaze
Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738

28 posted 2006-01-28 06:07 PM


Thank you all, yet again, so very much.

I worried over this one a bit, as I wasn't sure if I was up to the challenge of capturing the enormity of her persona. I had to settle for simply conveying how she affected me.

I'm still not sure if I succeeded, but I am for once, very proud that those of you who read this and were previously not fans of hers have, at the least, paused to reconsider.

thank you for that

and for your time and graciousness.

littlewing
Member Rara Avis
since 2003-03-02
Posts 9655
New York
29 posted 2006-01-28 07:09 PM


You silly goosy . . . you was lookin' in a mirror, kinda


Midnitesun
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647
Gaia
30 posted 2006-01-28 07:13 PM


she might have said much the same thing, K,
that she was not 'up to the challenge'

vlraynes
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-25
Posts 8229
Somewhere... out there...
31 posted 2006-01-28 09:11 PM


Karen?...

This is absolutely amazing... as are you...

and I agree with the others... you are very much like her...

and this?...

"I wish she could have felt all the love people had and continue to have for her, but such strong imprinting on such a fragile heart makes me tend to think she'd never believe it anyway."

The same could be said of YOU, my sis...

Love you, K... very much...





"When the power of love overcomes the love
of power the world will know peace."
--Jimi Hendrix

wranx
Member Elite
since 2002-06-07
Posts 3689
Moved from a shack to a barn
32 posted 2006-01-28 11:13 PM


And here I am...late to the party.

Yanno sumptin Karenity?

You KNOW something!
About how poetry should be.

OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa
33 posted 2006-01-29 09:52 AM


Wowwwweeeeee, Serenity Blaze!  Like Katerie, I know nothing of Janis Joplin (thanks Katerie, that I am not the only one), well, not until I read your magnifffFFFFFFffficent poem.  I am going to try to make a point of finding out more about her and hearing her music.

I loved everybody's responses, but one of my favourites (perhaps my favourite favourite) was wranx's - not only his clever use of words, but the essence of them too - you certainly DO know how poetry should be.

- Owl

XOx Uriah xOX
Senior Member
since 2006-02-11
Posts 1403
Virginia
34 posted 2006-03-25 03:45 AM


Wow!   This is so amazing.  So moving.  Once again...you hit me in the gut and I struggle to catch my breath.
She was a rose and a pearl.  As are you.

Her close friends have gathered.
Lord, ain’t it a shame
Grieving together
Sharing the blame.
But when she was dying
Lord, we let her down.
There’s no use cryin’
It can’t help her now.

The party’s all over
Drink up and go home.
It’s too late to love her
And leave her alone.

Just say she was someone
Lord, so far from home
Whose life was so lonesome
She died all alone
Who dreamed pretty dreams
That never came true
Lord, why was she born
So black and blue?
Oh, why was she born
So black and blue?


      Kris Kristofferson

*Alli4000*
Deputy Moderator 10 Tours
Member Elite
since 2004-03-21
Posts 3188
The World of Poetry
35 posted 2006-03-25 07:04 PM


Enjoyed this one!

~Alli~

Kathy
Member
since 2006-02-10
Posts 153

36 posted 2006-03-26 12:50 PM


I'm in the minority here, I know...but, I never liked Janis...she was a whiner, complainer...dope addict...and, in general...a screw up....

History tells the tale....lok it up...poet..

revere her if you like...

your poem is good...subject...sucks!
Just my opinon, of course.

serenity blaze
Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738

37 posted 2006-03-26 11:54 PM


ah...well.

I was flattered embarrassed when people say I'm much like their perception of her--so perhaps your description is more apt.

Sounds like ME.

Thanks for taking the time to read a poem on a subject to your distaste.

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