Bitter C

another sketch for my next book, which I think will be titled 'Ivory Bars'

His brother was a pianist.

He himself had never had the skill.

He himself had never had the

Fine-tuned fingers that moved with

Artistic will across the keys

Like a commander on the field.

He himself had never had the

Courage to make the kill.

 

But ivory bars can change a man.

Ivory bars can tune a heart

To music within the walls,

Music within the catcalls and

Creeping of rat nails on the

Walls

The walls

The walls.

 

Ivory bars made him a pianist

Ivory bars to run his fingers down

Ivory bars to strike the notes

To choke the ghosts of the corner cell.

 

Ivory bars gave him

Fine-tuned fingers that move with

Artistic will across—

Pacing back and forth

Across

Across

Across

In the tune of cascading bitter C—

Prison grain beneath his fingernails

And a reverberating, commander’s chorus

Playing against the metal bars

Prison walls

Ivory bars of his pianist’s cell.

Reviews

[Legion]

A pshycosis for sure. An enjoyable piece in a dark way. A great show of how we can get caught (imprisoned) by such things that engulf or enflame us. Did you ever read my short story "Blood in the Key of a Jealous C"? Can't remember if you did or not (before the mass deletion). Think you would enjoy it. Anyway, great write here. Looking forward to the book. :)

[Dressed in Poetry]

I love the title of this. I like the idea of the ivory bars that confine him as well. Nice.