Pardon Me, Boy

I spent last night in Chattanooga, Tennessee

"Pardon me, boy, but isn't that
the Chattanooga Choo-choo"
People watched as we sang
on the banks of the Tennessee River.
We danced on the sidewalk with the setting sun
to the rhythm of clapping hands
and a far away sax, moaning through crowded alleys.

The city breaths at night
and pulses with the sounds 
of buskers, playing
for a few bucks and some coins.

The foot bridge is busy 
on a warm Spring night
joggers dodge tourists
and the locals ignore them both;
children lick ice cream 
and mom searches for the next wine bar,
while college students huddle under the bridge
and lovers, young and old 
are moved by the mood of the city lights.

Reviews

[Maria]

Wow, loved it. My brother is in Knoxville, TN at this time. Tennessee is a great state for sure.

[Weeping willow]

Wonderfully expressed as images flow through my mind of the old days when people were outside at night.Playing music and singing songs;-]

[James]

It was a fun trip. Chattanooga is an awesome place

[barleygirl]

Excellent job capturing a plethora of sights, sounds, smells, & sensations. Love the opening as this song resounded in my imagination, setting up the mood for this playful romp thru your eyes. Love the motif of trains & jazz amongst a hive of buzzing tourists. Gotta love a sax moaning in the distance! *wink! wink!* (((HUGS)))

[BBP]

Awesome scene you set here. Makes me wanna go there! :)

[Island Hippy]

Aloha James, a great feeling to your poem I enjoyed it very much. Izzy

[Ana Papaya]

I love this. I've seen some pretty amazing street performers over the years. Great poem, it felt like I was there..

[James]

I'm glad you enjoyed this. It was a cool trip. Chattanooga is a hidden gem. Thanks.

[Ana Papaya]

I'm going to Nashville in May. Looking forward to it.
:)

[James]

Now I'm jealous.

[Tony Jordan]

Love the intro, really sets the mood of this one James.
A delightful atmospheric piece - great detail (especially liked the nonchalant locals, lol).
Very nice scene indeed.

[James]

It was really a nonchalant place. Chattanooga is an awesome city. I'm glad you enjoyed this and thanks for catching my mistake, too.

[andrew mitchell]

Great write. I like the version pardon me girl is that the cat that chewed your new shoes.! :-)

[James]

That's funny, gonna have to find it

[Lorry]

Sounds like an awesome place to visit. Personally, I think I'd like to go just so I can say I've been to Chattanooga, but I think you just sold me on the rest of it too :)

[James]

I'm glad you enjoyed this. It's an amazing place, a hidden gem.