Janis

...to commemorate the death of Janis Joplin

janis

 

 

she died alone

an accidental overdose

in a seedy Hollywood hotel

a needle shot into her veins

a potent batch of heroin

with the velocity of

a runaway train

 

 

Reviews

[Dave Brown]

Another sad story
Good of you to remember
I heard on the news the other day that overdose deaths exceeded those of Covid 19
Then your poem had me also look to see that over 100 pop musicians had died of overdoses and how many others souls that are not even mentioned
A terribly sorry situation

[Kelly Scheppers]

It seems the number should be higher. You know, I read that the heroin Janis took was 3 times more potent than what she was used to taking. She knew what her body could handle, but that overdose wasn't like others she had taken before. That's what makes it such a tragedy. Even if someone would have been there with her, it wouldn't have saved her. She just didn't know. Many thanks, Dave. I was happy to remember her!

[Samuel Dickens]

How great of you to remind us of her with this well-penned poem. So many have tried to sing like her, but to my knowledge, none have. She was unique. One of a kind. I still have the Pearl album, purchased so many years ago.

[Kelly Scheppers]

She was unique, wasn't she? That's a word that well defines Janis Joplin. Your compliment means the world to me, Sam. Thank you for the eloquence of its offering.

[Robert Trakofler]

I had never appreciated her until much later... firstly her voice and when I say this I mean her "poetic voice" that was reflected so well by her singing voice! I did not realize how much of a poet she really was until I delved into her words and learned her story. She lived a life of pain and in spite of it she wrote with such a sincere expression and adulation she lived in a tragic unrequited love the likes of which only a poet or an artist could fully express it may very well have been her muse but it also was her eventual destruction and upon reflecting on her body of work it is impossible to not feel a deep affection for her and a sadness

[Kelly Scheppers]

In all my years of posting poetry, no one has ever asked me why I wrote something, that is until Zoe Richardson's review below. She wanted to know how Janis's death made me feel, and why I chose to write about her. I contemplated a couple of reasons, then went with the one that was in my gut. I was compelled to write about the way she died, the epoch of sadness that drew me in. I wanted to capture into words something that everyone would walk away with and remember. Her life deserved that much. Thank you, Robert, for the most emotive review I've ever garnished!

[Zoe Richardson]

If I may offer a small critique... this is an excellent beginning. But I want more! How did her death make you feel? What is your connection to her? If you don't want to add to it, and feel this is perfect the way it is, that is understandable. You know what you are trying to accomplish, and it makes you pause and think about such a waste of talent. But I sense there is more here. You chose to write about her for a reason. I'd love to know why!

[Kelly Scheppers]

My connection to Janis was simply her music. I used to work in a record store, and It made me dig a little deeper into the girl who took the accidental overdose of heroin - I knew she had to be so much more than that. I wrote this because I wanted her to be remembered. We all deserve to be remembered in some capacity in this lifetime, no matter how we pass over to the other side. I'd like to think she's up there smiling that smile of hers, as big as Texas. As a matter of fact, I know she is! Thank you, Zoe!

[Zoe Richardson]

That's a beautiful memory. I am so glad you chose to memorialize her this way. She was an amazing talent and truly unique individual.

[Lydia Shutter]

Ah, but the truth is a runaway train....I think Boy George wrote that line. Janis Joplin was such a talent. Gone too soon. So many artists die tragically and unnecessarily! Kelly, your tributes are always touching. This one is no exception. Lydi**

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you for your presence here, Lydi. It wouldn't be the same without you!

[Perdition]

If only the speed of light was boundless. Must dip my guitar into the astral for our wounded woman and for this tribute., Surely someone should have done something...but then again perhaps they did. Goodnight sweet Janis and thanks for the words Kelly

[Kelly Scheppers]

So eloquently beautiful, Joseph. Thank you. The pleasure was all mine!

[red93]

Fabulous work Kelly telling the true story of another Rock great, and sadly a Rock n Roll Casualty, as so many have been. Unflinching picture of what can happen in pursuit of the Fame Goddess. Marvellously penned.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I wish I could express to you what writing this meant to me. Your review, and the empathy shown, overwhelm my heart. Thank you most kindly, Tony.

[red93]

That's FAB Kelly - Warm Wishes to you from chilly Bristol UK : )

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Janis was a runaway train in many senses. But she was such a soulful person and singer.

So troubled, yet easy to relate to on several levels. I loved her bluesy voice...her male counterpart was Joe Cocker...they were reflections of each other.
I have the album Pearl on vinyl and need to get it on CD.
I have never forgotten her, and I think a part of us died with her.
another member of the 27 club.
"oh Lord, won't you buy me a color tv...dialing for dollars is trying to reach me"
Maybe they did reach her in Rock and Roll heaven.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you for the recognition given, J. I can't think of anyone who even comes close to her - today. Having "Pearl" on vinyl is quite a souvenir as far as music icons go. Did you know the room she died in is still rentable? #105. I'd stay there...in a heartbeat.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

She was an incredible vocalist whose soulful style revealed a pained life lived. It is an absolute shame she died the way she did. Thank you for sharing your poem with us.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Carlos, did you know that the room where she died (105) is still rentable? Thank you for your compassionate review. Not too many people would care about an accidental overdose. But what a singer!

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

You're very welcome Kelly. One of my favorite uncles died of a heroin overdose back in the late 70s. There was a stigma back in the day from dying this way. That only poor and people of color could ever die of drug abuse. Now all this time later shows a changing mindset on this subject. We have failed as a society to be more empathetic for those who struggle against this pernicious disease. Thank you again for sharing your poem.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I deeply and truly appreciate your every word, Carlos. Thank you for making me see I did a good thing at posting this, amidst the stigma surrounding her death, and for bringing the tragedy of it to light. I believe this review is just as relevant as my words.