Leonard Cohen was right

 

 

Standing before the microphone,

blank faces stare from cushioned chairs

Jewels sparkle, acting like they’re real,

while bow ties just seem sad … it happens

 

Marching to the beat of clicking heels,

unbuttoned vests as strange, eclipsed spotlights

illumine smoke swirls in overhead rafters

flowing from my ember’d fingertips

 

And my hair is a mess … but it always is

and I don’t care … do you?

I’d clear my throat but that does no good,

gravel has taken up residence … it pays the rent

Yeah, I could flip burgers, a white apron,

grease stains and ketchup, hold the onions

but who’s life would that change, make a difference in,

feeding hunger but not a heart, a soul, a dream

The room goes dim, the audience worries

Glares spark like steel on asphalt

I can see them clear, slowly fading in anxious doubt

My mind scratches some ink in dusty thoughts …

 

I love you, I love everything that is you

Need surpasses desire, and I need

My arms long to cling you, tightly against me,

breathing as one, harmonious breath … dusty thoughts … they come

 

The bass player plucks and that is my cue,

flicking my ashes, I begin to read … poetry

and the audience smiles … I am a poet and poetry is cool,

Leonard Cohen was right

Reviews

[Lorry]

You catch the moment we'll Will, perfectly describing why I have never found a stage or spotlight anything other than a fear I can't bring myself to break.
I'm sure Mr Cohen would be nodding in agreement at you to, as your words just made me want to go read the book of longing again, in my humble opinion, a masterpiece of his.

[willweb]

Thank Lorry. Glad you enjoyed this imaginary spectacle.

[Betty Hermelee]

I know Leonard Cohen...in my hey day...but I think your heat is in poetry.. those words of love and tenderness and linger in your psyche....that;s what really matters; but I like the scene you set up for Leonard Cohen...the descriptions of the audience, so typical....and the ending is such a glorious one for poetry...kudos to Cohen for his amazing notions....and kudos to poetry!
Best, B

[willweb]

Thank you so very much Betty

[Betty Hermelee]

You're very welcome Will!
Best, B

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

I love Leonard and his songs
I discovered him through my sister bk In the high school 1970 years
She playedSuzanne constantly
I think any poem with him in it is beautiful.
Yours is too with your added words

[willweb]

Thank you Julie.

[DIVYA]

I like the way a seemingly hostile setting turned friendly, bringing on smiles once the poetry reading began. You highlighted well, the artifice in stark comparison with the genuineness and spontaneity of poetry. Poetry builds bridges and makes everything alright. A great statement made!

[willweb]

As always I appreciate your visit Divya. Your kind words are always a bright spot in my day

[DIVYA]

It is always such a pleasure to read you, my friend. Keep writing and sharing!

[John the Baptist]

Indeed, it is cool; I hope the contemporary poets don't kill it off. Cohen was a master. "Hallelujah" may not be classified as a hymn, but it's close enough for me.

[willweb]

Thank you so very much John. I agree.

[Soren]

I miss Leonard Cohen and his songs. He was always a favorite of mine. Whether it was his early works like bird on a wire, or his later they spoke to me down deep in the soul. This one grabbed me as soon as I saw his name. You cast the atmosphere right and spoke in vivid images. I particularly liked "Glares spark like steel on asphalt" Nicely written.

[willweb]

Thanks Soren. He was one of my favorites as well. That dude was pure cool. I'm happy you enjoyed this.