Inferno

when i hear Springsteen

when i hear his voice

belting from the radio

telling me, telling me

in his explosive words

you can't start a fire

i think of '83

dancing in the dark

there were sparks flying then

there were bush fires blazing

there were wild fires spreading

our world was alight

flames roared high

in the summer of '83

Reviews

[Neville]

Ah' but then he was born in the USA .. and so it was .. so very hot indeed .. Warmly reminisced Chris ..

Neville

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Neville. He was born in the USA, but I was always a huge fan and that girl he pulled up from the audience to dance with him, well I always wished it had been me :)

Chris

[Neville]

me too ..... well the first bit anyway :)

Neville

[duff]

You can feel the energy and excitement here! Simple pleasures and simpler times in my opinion. Its amazing how music can allow us to escape for a few minutes. This was a fun read!

[Chris Shaw]

Just wanna kick my shoes off and dance when I hear him. Yes, music is a great escape when the going gets tough. Thank you kindly for your visit.

Chris

[Lydia Shutter]

Oh, that is such a great Springsteen song and I remember the video too with Courtney Cox being pulled on stage to dance with Bruce. The summer of '83, yes, I remember hearing about the fires over there. Those were not the sort we hope for. Nice contrast between the first and second stanza here. By the way, thanks for the Independence Day wishes. Forgot to thank you for them earlier. Lydi**

[Chris Shaw]

Oh Lydi**, I so wanted to be Courtney Cox when he pulled her up on to the stage, it was a wonderful moment. So pleased you remember that too. Hope you had a wonderful day yesterday. Many thanks.

Chris

[R.E. Ray]

Chris, I'm not sure how I missed this one last week. Bruce was most popular here when I was in high school. He was one of the top concerts for years. Many good memories associated with his music and the E-Street Band. He had a resurgence here a few years ago, but he's mostly just on the 80s music channels now. Regrettably, he became very vocal on politics and many listeners tuned him out.

The form and the rhythm of this poem equal the imagery. A timely poem as we celebrate in the USA today with fireworks. (And, I thought by the title this would be about Dante's work. This is so much better.)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Robert, I wasn't aware of his preferences in politics. Maybe because of the water divide. I sure like his music though. I never have tried reading Dantes work. Sounds as though it isn't an easy read.

Cbris

[Dave Brown]

Funny, your poem reminds me of how much music I don't listen to
I used to drive around in my old hot rods with the tunes cranked but that probably destroyed my music-related brain cells
Australia looks doomed to have endless excessive fire seasons
2020 is apparently another terrible time and who knows what the future brings.
Beautiful country but those fires are a constant worry

[Chris Shaw]

Sadly Australia really suffers with bush fires and 2020 was probably worse than '83. Really is painful to see those animals struggling to survive, so many didn't and people deaths too this year. I agree beautiful country but it has its risks. I still love my music though I can:t write poetry and listen at the same time. Thanks Dave.

Chris

[Pete]

they don't call him 'the boss for' nothing. my personal favorites are tunnel of love, human touch and radio nowhere. i remember well springsteen and the fires in '83 (the year i graduated high school). now australia has been dealt another inferno but the boss burns it up every time. now you've brought me back chris. hot stuff ... :)

[Chris Shaw]

Hi Pete, glad you are a fan of the Boss too. '83 was a good year for me so I was pleased to hear this poem is relatable for you. Appreciating your visit. You got a good taste in music too :)

Chris

[Pete]

you know i love music - now you've got me stuck in a springsteen kick (been listening to him since i read this and can't stop) ...:)

[Chris Shaw]

Addictive isn't he :). Enjoy

[Dave]

I too am a fan of the "Boss".My daughter Beth surprised me a couple of years ago and together we went to see him in concert at Asbury Park, N.J. It was an incredible experience!

As to the fires in Australia, they filled the news even here in the U.S. I am a huge kola bear fan and my heart broke when I saw what was happening to these animals.
I haven't been posting since I'm trying to finish a novel I've been working on.

Take care of yourself - Dave

[Chris Shaw]

How lucky were you to see him with your daughter Beth. Must have been memorable Dave. You remembered the bushfire too. Like you I always have concern for the animals caught up in it. All good things.

Chris

[adornoscousin]

I love the nostalgia! Springsteen's music was important for my youth as well. I cannot hear his music without being transported to the past. Thank you for this!

[Chris Shaw]

When I hear Dancing in the dark, off come the shoes and I'm so young again. Love it and I am happy that this poem transported you as well. Thank you for your welcome visit.

Chris..

[Jimmy Yetts]

Yes, things were, relatively, alright--before Communist China poisoned most of the world and terrorists, indiscriminately, killed innocents; burning down things with real fire.
I love your poem; hate what's happening to our grandchildren's future.

[Chris Shaw]

I was happy then. It was a fun time, no concerns at all. Just living life and enjoying it. Look at today. I agree I worry about my grandchildren, especially the youngest who is 7 months. All that innocence. What on earth is life going to be like fot him. Thank you Jimmy. 83 was a good year for me.

Chris

[Jimmy Yetts]

Good memories are, indeed, a comfort--especially, during hard times.
You've heard of angry young men; well, I'm an old man who still carries the same anger.
Forgive this dark cloud for raining on your much-needed parade.

[Chris Shaw]

Nothing to forgive. Good to chat.

[gram linski]

great poem Chris, that was a seminal album in the eighties, even us rockers were rocking out to it, but he did finish his last album with a cover of Rhinestone Cowboy, so make of that what you will, although the river is also f*****g class, excuse my french, lol,

[Chris Shaw]

I can't imagine him doing Rhinestone Cowboy. I'll forgive him for that. I have always been a big fan. Your French well and truly excused. Have a great evening and thanks for checking in gram.

Chris