Leonard Cohen was right

 

 

 

 

Leonard Cohen was right

 

Standing before this microphone

Blank faces stare from cushioned chairs

Jewels sparkle, acting like they’re real

While bow ties just seem sad…it happens

 

Marching to the beat of clicking heels,

Unbuttoned vests as strange eclipsed spotlights

Illumine smoke swirls in overhead rafters

Flowing from my ember’d fingertips

 

And my hair is a mess…but it always is

And I don’t care…do you?

I’d clear my throat but that does no good

Gravel has taken up residence…it pays the rent

 

The room goes dim, the audience worries

Glares spark like steel on asphalt

I can see them clear, slowly fading in anxious doubt

Scratching on some ink pad and dusty sheets…ideas

 

Yet I adore you, I love everything that is you

Need surpasses desire, and I need

My arms long to cling you, crushed against me

Breathing as one, harmonious breath…just thoughts…they come

 

The bass player plucks and that is my cue

Flicking my ashes I begin to read…poetry

And the audience smiles…I am a poet and poetry is cool

Leonard Cohen was right

Author's Note

Thank you for reading

Reviews

[jen]

I could almost hear the nervous coughs and feel the tension that accompanies being the focus of expectation. And then delivering...I really enjoyed this (talk about venturing out of one's comfort zone!) Very unique. A love note to the challenges and rewards to the art of expression.

[Jack...]

Thanks so very much Jenny. I am thrilled you enjoyed this one. I put myself on that stage as I wrote this and let my mind and my pen do the work. I appreciate your kindness today.

[Ken Simm.]

So many Cohenesque moments here in this. Reading what you think deeply and being aware of all its and your faults but doing it anyway becaue you believe in it and poetry. To use your words Jack, cool.

[Jack...]

Thanks so very much my friend. Thrilled you enjoyed this.

[Vidya Bacchus]

It is one thing to put your feelings on paper and a whole other thing to read it aloud to people .Excellent my friend:)

[Jack...]

Thank you Vidya. Personally I love performing in front of people. It is a blast looking for their reactions.

[Vidya Bacchus]

Gosh I could never I would be terrified of their reactions lol.You are welcome :)

[Jack...]

They say, to calm the nerves just picture the audience naked, but I can't do that, it always makes me laugh. :)

[Vidya Bacchus]

If anything picturing an audience of naked people would be even worst lol

[Jack...]

Yeah, especially if they are all my age...yeech!!! :)

[Vidya Bacchus]

Hahaha that was so funny lol.I am not touching that one :)

[Marie]

I guess when you're reading your poetry and connecting with an audience, everything falls into place.

[Jack...]

We can always hope my friend. Thanks Marie.

[Brittany Zedalis]

Wow, you really did it with this one. This is really great, I really enjoyed reading it. It's definitely one of my favorites from you. 100/100 from me.

[Jack...]

Thanks so very much my friend. I always appreciate when you stop by.

[Michael G. Smith]

the second last line really captured the whole essence of the poem...Poetry is cool!

[Jack...]

Thank you so very much.

[m.s.early]

Jewels sparkle, acting like they’re real
-- That's my favorite line among many

This isn't a poem where the narrator simply dictates an expression of something. We are included as if we are at the show.

There are a couple of lines where the ellipses precede an afterthought. And another line where the reader is addressed directly. This provoked me to read a little deeper and connected with me intimately.

PS. I'm a huge Cohen fan so admittedly, I was biased going in, but you really implement a strategy that gave an incredibly intriguing perception, and that alone made this good poetry.

[Jack...]

Thanks so much my friend. I tried to climb inside of his head and yes the thoughts are a bit scattered...but isn't that how we do it...reaching for those scattered thoughts as they buzz by. Thanks again my friend. I appreciate your wonderful review of my work.

[Beccy]

A wonderful poem; and so brave to stand there before an audience with bared heart and soul.
It's taken me half a lifetime just to share some of my poetry in this small way. I've been to lots of readings, but have never summoned up the courage to do more than listen to others.

Beccy.

[Jack...]

Beccy, all it takes is one time and the jitters will disappear. You should really try it.
read moreBeccy, all it takes is one time and the jitters will disappear. You should really try it.

Thank you so much for your kindness today. I appreciate you stopping by.

[Mark]

An excellent read, I could picture Cohen reading them in that gravelly soothing voice of his.

[Jack...]

Thanks so much Mark. I appreciate you visiting today.

[Addie Santos]

I love the Leonard Cohen reference. His song, "Famous Blue Raincoat" is my anthem. Beautiful read, it's sad how society don't appreciate poets as much as football players.

[Jack...]

You are right my friend. Happy you enjoyed this. Thank you so much for visiting.