Cacophony finger-snaps past quiet shadows,
severing bonds of solemnity.
I exhale agonies of grief,
the arching beauty of certain flowers
disturbing my path -
sowing seeds of loneliness in fallow landscapes,
revealing subtleties of desire's aching embrace,
I menace mediocrity with a medley of dreams.
Made intrepid by desolation's nuance,
I pop the clutch on soliloquies of sorrow,
leaving skidmarks on rescinded redemption
while scattering the gathered harvest
of capricious salvation.
Tattooed by trivialized truth
and the false contrition of chaos,
I barter lamentations contained in a single sigh,
shattering orgasmic silence with fluttering eyes
that cannot see beyond the sacred, pale skin
of frivolous shelter.
Archetypical angst obscures latitudes of landscapes
long denied. I give no dominion to darkness.
I defer regret,
knowing its useless penetration
of marrow.
This is a thrilling madness, this lingering life.
Author notes
Pictures: Billie Holiday
Photographers unknown
"Man, if you have to ask what 'it' is, you’ll never know."
~Louis Armstrong
Written May 14th, 2006
In a list
- Older Poems (under construction) • next in list
- Bronze • next in list
- Inspired by Famous People • next in list
- Gathering Possibilities • next in list
- A Few of My Favorite Poems • next in list
- Edgier • next in list
- Dedications (under construction) • next in list
- Honorable Mentions • next in list
- Contest poems • next in list
- Inspired by...Various (under construction) • next in list
- Gold • next in list
- Silver • next in list
- Passion • next in list
- Stories • next in list
- Sorrow • next in list
What did you think
Comments
1 - 99 of 99
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Sweet sounds of pure jazz
still music to be lost in. your words flows like the classic lines of old jazz
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Thank you, rc3, for your thoughtful comment. 
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When I was about 19 & workin' at the library, I said something about Lady Day. Someone said I was "too young to know about her". My retort was, "I'm too young to know about Shakespeare, too...should I not read him???" 
Being culturally~cognizant doesn't have an age or height limit, as far as I know.
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I'm sorry to say, you poem has been eliminated from the contest, but we'd like to see you enter the fresh write contest.
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Thank you for your consideration. I appreciate your time & generosity. Be well, Poet. Wanda
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You are a classy lady. <3
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Ahhh, you are too kind, Sir. Thank you. Where is the fresh write contest posted? I just went to your author's page & didn't see it there.
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I will be posting it sometime in the near future. I will send you a link when the time comes.
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Cool beans. I'll be there, with bells on. Maybe even whistles, too.
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cool
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Great poem. I love jazz, and even play some for fun. (I'm a saxaphone player.) This poem sounds like you have a deep understanding of jazz, too. Do you play jazz, or do you just love to listen to it? Either way, it feels really good- something you can sit back with, relax, and let wash over you like a soothing bath...the poem, and jazz.
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Thank you for your kind words, Poet. No, I don't play it myself, but I've always had a deep admiration for those that do. I have quite a few lps/tapes/cds of various jazz musicians that I enjoy listening to. Thanks for comin' by. Be well, Poet. Wanda
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gripping
Love your use of vocabulary...it's chilling!! Your expressions are powerful. This is indeed a fine poem beautifully written. Warm Regards...vivela
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Interesting
A powerful piece here. uniquely written. I enjoyed reading it. Certainly makes you think about what you have written. I like the picture that goes along with it. You have a nice style. I look forward to reading more of your work. Keep on writing. great job! -
up ,up and away
this write seems to show that you cansee the world again with a blue sky overhead and flowers at your feet... very nicely done here...PK
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Indeed, Poet Man...I finally entered another dimension...Perhaps the fifth one...
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What a positive message, in the text, I loved your use of language, and structure, how you literally splinter any fixed/imagined notions that may impede
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'thrilling madness' indeed!
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Yep.
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Wow!!! great job on this. i liked it alot! good word choice and usage. the flow was good too. Anyways great job! can't wait to read more from you
Cassie
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Wow
I haven't seen this type of poetry in a long time!
Great flow!
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Thanks, Poet...C'mon by my pages, anytime... Wanda
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Quite an interesting poem
You have penned a fine effort. My only detraction to this poem is that you do have a tendency to self-consciously pack your lines with implied metaphors at a time when I am intent on your following them through. Thank you. Lyndon of the Winklings. -
Spectacular
Your use of language is in supreme form with this one, Wanda. {swoons, becomes lightheaded, almost loses consciousness, defibrilator shocks into reality}. It's what excellent poetry is all about. Your words illuminate the page and every poet's heart.
Love, Mark
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Good
I just felt like you made a big pot of soup and added all my favorites in and when I was finished... I was satisfied and just sat back and said "ahhhhhhhhhhhhh". You have penned a beautiful piece here showcasing more of your talent. Always a pleasure to read your work... always. ~Tia -
See how you are...
Kinda dove in the deep end without a paddle, ehhh??? 
Yeahhh, this one was a lil' bit different than my usual offerings...Thanks for wadin', Tom...Have a great day, Poet... 
Wanda
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Thanks, Malabu.
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I generally abhor too many adjectives, as they detract and pull meaning away from the word they modify. You modify anything enough and it ceases to have meaning. You have, by using consonance and very precise singular modifiers, have avoided this. Instead, your use of modifiers has thickened the flavor and flow of this poem. It becomes a blizzard of words and sound effects. Yes, this sings the blues and improvisations of tonal qualities brings the early jazz sound of bands into the words. So dense is this piece in language, this reader was forced again to bend his reading style to your style of writing. Difficult to read means only that the reader must give up his assumptions and all himself to be spoken to.
Do I like this? Yes and No. Yes, I enjoyed the challenge and the music. No, in that it was so layered with adjectives that I had to search constantly for what was being said. In the end it is a satisfying piece. I felt like I had waded in the waters and been properly baptized by the thought, but I am not sure that I would need to be do this more than once.
Love, Tom B. 
! 
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To a wondrous meadow
far as the eye can see
sensing this picture of beauty
The sweet smell of air
Birds fly
Bees hum
Butterflies dance whimsical
Yet looking deeper into the glades
beauty withers, blossoms die
Yet as I look up to the awesome sky
once again, I gaze upon beauty
Malabu
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Thank ya, Scribe.
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Alliteration and jazz, what a purrrfect combo. I'm just loving this one. The language flies high in this piece, mirroring the rich timbre of bent notes and phrases in the muse-ic.
Great write, Sweet-Pea!
Peace -
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Awww...thank you, Karen...I'm glad you enjoyed it, my Friend...I had a blast writing this one... Wanda
Edited on Sep 19, 1:50 because ''. -
"I menace mediocrity with a medley of dreams." That you do, Night Hope. A thrilling madness, indeed! There are always such depths to your poetry, but this one pull me in like a whirl pool with the colors and images swirling like a kaleidoscope...a fascinating use of words that take you where angels fear to tread. Beautiful.
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Thank you for your gracious words, PoeticSpirit79. I'm pleased you enjoyed my work. I appreciate your kindness & your time. Be well, Poet. 
Wanda
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Completely and utterly awesome!! I love the imagery you protray in this piece... a vision beyond words here. As you probably have been told a hundred times, it's apparent you have talent.. keep writing, you will never know who will come across your words.. good luck in my contest!!!
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Thank you for reading & for your kind comments, Gypsy...I'm pleased you enjoyed it, my Friend...I sure had a blast writing it... Be well, Poet... Wanda
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Here's a few more links you might enjoy... Wanda
Dunbar
www.web-books.com/Classics/Poetry/Anthology/Dunbar_PL/index.htm
Lorca
www.boppin.com/lorca/
Millay
www.english.uiuc.edu/maps/poets/m_r/millay/online_poems.htm
Eluard, Neruda, Hernandez
www.freenetpages.co.uk/hp/freeman/index.htm
Bronte
www.digital.library.upenn.edu/women/bronte/poems/poems.html
Frost
www.ketzle.com/frost/
Keats
www.englishhistory.net/keats/poetry.html
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Interesting and strong. Great job on this
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Ahhh, but you are a vessel now...It's just steeping a bit, like good tea...When it's ready to pour, the whistle will blow loud & strong... I appreciate ya, Poet. Here's a few links that I leave as a welcome gift & as a cure for writer's block...Enjoy... Wanda
Khayyam www.okonlife.com
Tagore www.terebess.hu/english/tagore5.html
Neruda www.poemhunter.com/pablo-neruda/poet-6638/
Paz www.geocities.com/poesiamsigloxx/paz/paz2.html
www.duirwaighgallery.com/inspiration_trailer.htm
Duir Waigh Gallery ~ "Knock on the Duir" trailer
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Why can't I be a vessel now? Not very fair
Anyway, I have not read much from you although when I have of course it's been great. So I didn't really have a clue of what this poem would read like. So anyway, you're welcome, and thank you for having entered.
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Thank you very much...for hosting an incredible contest & for your amazing comment. I'm feelin' pretty jazzy now, myself. I really enjoyed writing this one; it was a bit of a departure for me at the time. I was trying to break out of the inaccurate mold I'd apparently been placed in, that of being Pollyanna's cousin. I think the fact that I'm a (former) librarian gives people the wrong idea. I've been trying to eradicate the erroneous mythology of the stereotype for years. As for how I do it??? I often say I merely hold onto the pen...for dear Life... I am only the vessel through which it flows...Kinda happy 'bout that, too. Thank you for your kind words, Axelle Black. I'm pleased you enjoyed the ride. I sure have. Be well, Poet. Wanda
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Really good stuff! I love love love your choice of words and the effect they add to this poem. Oh yeah I'm feeling jazzy now. Very much appreciated the play with sounds and all that pretty stuff. Don't know how you do it...
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I know the feeling, Scribe...After flippin' through your pages, I was hyperventilatin'... Thank you, Peter...My own favorite line is the last one: "This is a thrilling madness, this lingering life."...I think that pretty much says it all, my Friend... Wanda
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Sheer skill.....
Saturates the senses with arcing angels of alliteration laying down their limboing wings for one to wander through, waif-like..
Despite the fun and games, the images shine as brightly as they always do with your work - bringing out the depth of thought.
Example - "I menace mediocrity with a medley of dreams."
Sigh of jealousy....
Good luck in the contest.
Best, p -
Thank you for your lovely words, Renee...My Best Friend lives in Louisiana (I lived there from 1988-89, too); her last name is Ledet, so I always called her Lady Day...I have everything Billie ever recorded, my Friend...I have quite a few of Louis' works, too...& I put in 'pop the clutch & leaving skidmarks" just for Rob...the tattoo was for him, as well... I really enjoyed writing this one...I'm pleased you liked it, too...Love ya, Lady... Wanda
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Billie Holiday is one of my favorite songstress'. I have portrayed her several times. I used Satchmo's music in the last play I directed; Steal Away by Ramona King. So you know I am totally there with you love.
The language usage is delightful!
"I pop the clutch on soliloquies of sorrow,
leaving skidmarks on rescinded redemption
while scattering the gathered harvest
of capricious salvation."
Metaphor mania! Excellent imagery and sensations. This is great! I feel like dancing. The Harlem Renaissance is why I am here today. My artistic ancestral past made way for a little poet/actor like me, and I am proud. Your poem is a stark reminder of how even the most brilliant artists have their low points but what a rise in their lives being cemented in our spirits. Wonderful work Wanda. The best to you in this challenge.
Much Love,
Renee
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Sweetie, I can't even stay caught up with me... Thank you for your loveliness, my Friend...There are certain lost souls I'm particularly fond of...Like Lady Day...I have everything she ever recorded...As for my book...Hmmm...Well, several of my Friends have ordered it & had it shipped to me...I'll sign it, then ship it on to them...what say you, criss??? Others have just ordered it, then requested I send them a letter...they like that idea even better...I dunno...Let me know, my Friend...However you want to do it is fine with me... Wanda
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You know, apart from dear Louis and a smattering of other lost souls, I don't even much like jazz
Tattooed by trivialized truth
and the false contrition of chaos,
I barter lamentations contained in a single sigh,
shattering orgasmic silence with fluttering eyes
that cannot see beyond the sacred, pale skin
Amazing words and visuals. Now this is brilliance.
Wanda, I want to purchase a copy of your book.
But, of course, I want it signed by the authoress. Suggestions?
Trying ta play catchup
~ crissy
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There ya go, Dave. Keep those rose~colored glasses on. I have several pair. My glass is overflowing with Hope's Feathers. I just meant that yeahhh, I can be a lil' more...ummm...out there??? than the average librarian.
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Well, being Pollyanna's cousin could be a good thing, if her world view were only true, what a better world it would be.
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Sorry 'bout that. I did warn ya I was a lil' eclectic. Didn't know the sucker was gonna grab ya so hard. Poor Poet. Thanks, Dave. I kinda like this one. It sort of helped destroy the mythology of me being Pollyanna's cousin or somethin'.
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Excellant
Ay, this one really reached out and grabbed me. (ouch, ouch, lol) I like it a lot. -
Thank you for your gracious words, Laura. I'm pleased you enjoy my work so much, Lady. I appreciate your kindness & your time. Be well, Poet. Wanda
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Tattooed by trivialized truth
and the false contrition of chaos,
I barter lamentations contained in a single sigh,
shattering orgasmic silence with fluttering eyes
that cannot see beyond the sacred, pale skin
of frivolous shelter.
i think you have used language brilliantly in this stanza, this ia a great write, i have come to expect nothing less than the best from you and this does not disappoint, great work
laura -
Works for me. Thanks, Poet.
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Excellent
Fantastic. Nuff said -
Whyyy, thank ya, Suh...I appreciate that, immensely...I have every one of Lady Day's releases...In fact, I used to call my best friend that (her last name is Ledet)...I also have several cd's of Satchmo...Someone once told me I was "too young to know Billie Holiday's work"...I replied, "I'm also too young to be familiar with Shakespeare; should I not read him???" I have written several other jazz poems, in fact; one called "All That Jazz" for a jazz~inspired contest...& one for a tribute contest, held by MuddyKing, for the lovely gardenia herself... It won the gold...Here's the link to it, if you'd like to peruse a bit...Thank you very much for such a great comment...I have to admit, I was a bit nervous about entering this contest; Axelle Black always draws the heavy~hitters of AP...I've always just sat back & watched in awestruck terror...Ehhh...courage...just as easy as fear...
Be well, Poet... Wanda
"The Long Night of Lady Day"
www.allpoetry.com/poem/1414858
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Dude. Wanda. I'm flored everytime I read a poem by you. Two of my favorite Jazz musicians are Armstrong and Billie. I think I've read other Jazzy poems by you, or it was someone else, whatever.
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As was your comment, Poet...Thank you very much. Wanda
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That poem was GREAT.
~D.A.N. -
Thank you for hosting & for your lovely comments, Andu...I'm pleased you enjoyed it...Be well, Poet... Wanda
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Wow, this was amazing, how you painted life with all it's darkness and flaws and yet, you stayed strong, and showed that in it's imperfections, it is all worth it.
I love the language you used, you've got a good linguistic command and you are not afraid to use it.... and more than that you know when to use it. I loved the imagery this poem painted and the message it told.
'I give no dominion to darkness.
I defer regret,
knowing its useless penetration
of marrow.'
Beautiful. Simply breath taking. Well done! Thanks for entering this.
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Thank you, Scribe...if you get the chance & want to, please share it with him, David...I'm glad you liked it, my Friend... Wanda
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excellent
Spontaneous staccato syncopations and all the juicy impromptu jazz. There's a lot of snap, crackle, and pop in this poem- and I'm not talking rice krispies. My eldest brother is a jazz musician, and I'm sure he'd appreciated this poem. Best of luck in the contest.
Mercury Rising -
{swoons deliriously at such high praise} Thank you very much, m'Dear...I liked the last line pretty well on this one...it was like the final blue note of the trumpet...the gardenia echoing Lady Day's breath...Thank you, Anasuya...Be well, Poet... Wanda
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Again, you're nailing it with incredibly strong opening and closing lines, which can make or break a poem, regardless of what's in-between. You could have total dribble in the middle, lol, which you don't, and it would still be a wonderful piece just based on the first two, and last line. You are really making me reconsider my biase against using a lot of adjectives, because you're showing me here exactly how it should be done.
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Thank you, Ben~Jammin'...no, I've been immersed in the past for far too long as it is, my Friend...I'm headin' straight for the future, memories intact, of course...I appreciate ya, Scribe... Wanda
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Thank you for reading & for your kind comments, Serenahind...I'm pleased you enjoyed it...I just really like music...jazz, blues, rock, metal, alt rock, country...even some rap & opera, if they're not too obnoxious about it... Be well, Poet... Wanda
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You must really like jazz Night Hope. This is cool. I like the flow amd I can hear the snaps. Very nice work.
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Once again, you can play content in the surface surf
or don (!) fin and mask and snorkel and glimpse the deeper meanings
Break out the scuba, and really dive deep...
A suggestion to contemplate; Menace Melancholy... could be ended with 'memories' instead of dreams ending the line in paired trippletts. It moves the tone from the future toward the past... you may not want to do that. But we breathe the present, anchored in our fondest memories, and hope for the future... -
Thank you for reading & for your kind comments, Krys...I'm pleased you enjoyed it...Be well, Poet... Wanda
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This is really beautiful.It flows so well.You just really did a great job writing this.Thank you for sharing this wonderful poem.Good luck.
~Krys~ -
{sighs, swoons & falls off her chair, bumpin' her head} "Uber alliteration"...now that's "way cool", Sweetness...didja notice the "tattoo" in there??? That & "popping the clutch" was for you, m'Love... Crowheart seemed to get a kick outta it, anywho... Thanks, Scribe...Such high praise from you is all a girl could want, Rob...welllllll, come to think of it... Maybe not allllll... Sweet Pea
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Very cool, and a departure for you. I had to grin at the uber-alliteration. You, sweet-pea, expressing excess in such a playfull way, yet profound at the same time. way cool
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Thank you, DarkChildsKiss...but don't get mad, get busy... I've been writing since I was 14; I'm 47 now...You keep writing & growing & you'll far surpass anything I've ever done...I'm glad you liked it...Be well, Poet... Wanda
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Oh I just adore this write. You still make me wish I could write like you....
This was well-written and I really enjoyed it. Best wishes in the contest!
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"The bee's knees"?!? Are you quite sure you're only 21???
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