The RetroLounge Daily Poem Thread (Fri 3/16/2007)

[RetroLounge]

Canary

----for Michael S. Harper

Billie Holiday’s burned voice
had as many shadows as lights,
a mournful candelabra against a sleek piano,
the gardenia her signature under that ruined face.

(Now you’re cooking, drummer to bass,
magic spoon, magic needle.
Take all day if you have to
with your mirror and your bracelet of song.)

Fact is, the invention of women under siege
has been to sharpen love in the service of myth.

If you can’t be free, be a mystery.

Rita Dove

****************

RL

If you have a request for a certain Poet, post their name in the thread and I will find a poem by them and post it...

if you want to see some of my poetry, see the blog at:
http://www.myspace.com/retropaul

[Callalily]

1. Oh I just love

Billy Holiday, and he definitely describes her voice accurately.

Oh, and his last line;

If you can’t be free, be a mystery.

Maybe words to live by?

:hi:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. Good morning, my dear Retro.........

I like this!

This is one mysterious poem, much like the subject herself....

I keep reading it, to see if I can figure out new meanings...

Thank you....:hug:

[idgiehkt]

3. very nice

I remember reading that Maya Angelou knew Billie Holliday because she was a singer briefly and Billie told her "You will be famous, but not for singing." Thanks for posting that. I have read Rita Dove before but it's been a long time. :hi: