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Critical Analysis #2
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World Music
| Critical Analysis #2 |
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World Music |
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oceanvu2 Senior Member
since 2007-02-24
Posts 1066Santa Monica, California, USA |
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. |
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| © Copyright 2007 Jim Aitken - All Rights Reserved | |||
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TomMark Member Elite
since 2007-07-27
Posts 2133LA,CA |
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. |
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oceanvu2 Senior Member
since 2007-02-24
Posts 1066Santa Monica, California, USA |
Thank you, TomMark. There is no particular form to this at all. It's something different for me. Best, Jim |
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Yejun Junior Member
since 2007-11-21
Posts 49 |
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. |
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oceanvu2 Senior Member
since 2007-02-24
Posts 1066Santa Monica, California, USA |
Thank you, Yejun. "No crit" and "enraptured" are pretty nice words. Jim |
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Stephanos
since 2000-07-31
Posts 3618Statesboro, GA, USA |
Somehow reminded me of "Sonny's Blues" by James Baldwin. Ever read that? Stephen |
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oceanvu2 Senior Member
since 2007-02-24
Posts 1066Santa Monica, California, USA |
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 |
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Stephanos
since 2000-07-31
Posts 3618Statesboro, GA, USA |
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 |
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Brad Member Ascendant
since 1999-08-20
Posts 5705Jejudo, South Korea |
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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