Living High In Blue


I follow notes, guitar licks,
throaty lyrics to cities
where blood is as thick as the blues.

Houston, Kansas City and Memphis
are beads on a pearl jam seducing
my spirit to travel notes pooling songs
across a mirror mottled with my own reflection.

I sit elbow to elbow
in bar stool sanctuaries
with a faithful music cult
who tithe appreciation
into a tip jar.

I’m a gypsy ribbed
with highway stripes
living high in the color blue.

©Susie Clevenger 2016

Real Toads ~ The Tuesday Platform

Comments

Gillena Cox said…
Luv how you play with your words never letting meaning slip away

much love...
August 16, 2016 at 12:02 PM
Timoteo said…
Now there's some imagery!
August 16, 2016 at 12:07 PM
Sherry Blue Sky said…
GORGEOUS. Your poem is full of music, mood and imagery. It doesn't get any better!
August 16, 2016 at 12:42 PM
brudberg said…
Not just music, but the musicians... Somehow it makes the songs to flesh and bones... Love it.
August 16, 2016 at 1:28 PM
Jim said…
Loving this, Susie. I went with you to those places, been there before. Then was reminded me of the night in a coffee house in Huntsville, Alabama. We sat around the walls in a large room, some read poems, others gave dirges or praises, some just nodded to the person next. There was no coffee, just a few bottles of wine making the rounds. When one emptied another took it's place.
At other places there was no poems or readings, just small talks. A few sang in the center, guitars played. Soon the whole deal would turn into a "Spin the Guitar" game. Stop.
..
August 16, 2016 at 6:42 PM
Magaly Guerrero said…
I want to eat your first stanza after having danced all nightlong!
August 16, 2016 at 8:25 PM
Outlawyer said…
Cool and sweet poem both, Susie--I love the idea of tithing the tip jar. Very cool. Thanks! k .
August 16, 2016 at 8:30 PM
Dr. Vandana Sharma said…
Colours ....without them life is so dull and what not of the emotions.
August 17, 2016 at 12:54 AM
Rosemary Nissen-Wade said…
Love those bluesy travel songs – though can only visit in my imagination. (I did get to Austin, Texas in 2006 and learnt about tip jars.)
August 17, 2016 at 1:09 AM
kaykuala said…
I’m a gypsy ribbed
with highway stripes
living high in the color blue.

Must certainly be lots of fun traveling around with the right kind of crowd to music one fancies!

Hank
August 17, 2016 at 3:19 AM
Kim M. Russell said…
This is wonderful, Susie, musical and tightly written.
August 17, 2016 at 9:25 AM
Kerry O'Connor said…
This is an amazing ode to the blues,the journey and following the dream.
August 17, 2016 at 11:35 AM
Sharp Little Pencil said…
"Blood as thick as the blues," yes. I have been that traveler, which is why I am a good audience for the next traveler who hits town! Love this. Reminds me of the old days, when it was all so close to the bone, so real... Amy
August 17, 2016 at 1:03 PM
Bekkie Sanchez said…
Love that last stanza and your play on words!
August 17, 2016 at 1:36 PM
Julian said…
Can't pick out a favourite pat as I enjoyed you poem from begining to end.
August 18, 2016 at 2:01 PM
Marian said…
Oh yeah, I see you, Susie!
August 19, 2016 at 10:29 AM
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