Miss American Pie

           

How is it the mind can wander when there’s nowhere to go?

                I’ve kicked off my shoes

bare feet and bare soul 

Perhaps I’ll keep walking until I don’t feel alone

 

The view to the valley is lined with tiny white flowers

whispering sighs to the wind

I see it now

loveless eyes and white lies, hiding withered roots below

and still I squander the gold of my days,

trying to improve the hopeless,

 blind to the vulgar

trying to remain hidden from his destruction

 

Moss grows fat on a rolling stone

and while we were looking down

the jester stole the thorny crown

 

I wish for a bird’s wing, not to take flight

to hide my head under

until I can feel again, that dream like wonder

reminding me I was meant to love him,

 like water flowing,

like the wind that blows

like the soft grass tickling my bare feet

 

I wonder how many, if any, feet have felt this spot on which I stand

 

How I ache to hear the warm wind,         

 should it decide to blow again

To feel a zephyr kiss my cheek

but not today

Today, I belong to me

and he is with those good old boys

drinking whiskey and rye

               singing…

“Bye-bye Miss American Pie, this will be the day that we die”

Author's Note

photograph ~ artist unknown
poetry ~ msjewel

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

and I remember hearing the news, I was nine the day the music died...the crash, the loss of such talent.
I really like your reaction to Don Maclean's piece...you work it in so well, thread your heart with those feelings.
Your poetry is unique to you, Julie...and it is honest to the bone.
j.

[MsJewel]

Thank you Jacob :) Julie

[willweb]

I really enjoy when a poet takes a song and weaves it into a poem. This one is beyond beautiful. O loved every aspect of this and the lines of the song popping in was like an old friend riding by, saying hi. I just really liked this. And I know it is an older piece but I haven't been here in a while so they are all new to me. : )

[Trace]

Wow, just wow!!!. I love how you; not just used the lyrical words of that famous song but seamlessly incorporated them into such a powerful poem. So full of emotions and brilliance. You continually amaze me with your talents.

Huggs Trace

[Lydia Shutter]

I loved the lyrics interspersed with your words! As is always the case, your imagery is super! Wonderful work. Lydi*****

[MsJewel]

Thank you Lydi. Happy New Year :) Julie

[Lydia Shutter]

Happy new year to you too!

[Fran Marie]

A beautiful poem so
well penned with great
expression..love the lyrics to
Bye Bye Miss American pie
an all time favorite for many..

[MsJewel]

Thank you Fran :) Julie

[Writergurl]

This is such a wonderful write, so lovely

[MsJewel]

I'm thrilled you enjoyed it. Thank you :) Julie

[Einstein Noodle]

so melancholy Ms. Jewel .. your poem walks that line well ... between depression and the kind of alone that is without loneliness .. strong word use ma'am .. vulgar .. destruction .. withered .. loveless .. i think your use of contrast is super creative .. wanting the bird's wing not to take flight but to hide under and the white wild flowers seen as hiding menace ... their is mystery says i .. and for me spirituality as well .. who the "him" is ... but then your closing puts the rubber to the road .. seems a perfect end with Don McLean's quote ... can't count the times i have hummed and sung that song in me ol' noodle ;) .... your poem drew me in and enveloped me ma'am ... kind of a different attitude for you isn't it? I took one of my Grand Daughters to the site a while back .. the tributes there are under-spoken but seem to deeply honor those good ol' boys ... the hole left in the world of so many by their deaths remains it seems ... well done! fine tribute says i!
E.

[Gee]

Great song.
Hopefully your words are just words and not feeling true you you.
Hope you are well.
Really enjoyed reading you

[John the Baptist]

The best way to view life is as a teacher. Hope this lesson didn't burn you too badly. Leave him to Don McLean.

[MsJewel]

Good advice! Julie

[Coyote Poetry]

Hello dear friend. I loved the journey and places you took me with in your words. I love the old song also. Nice to escape. Find a peaceful place. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[MsJewel]

Thank you my dear friend. :) Julie

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome, dear Julie.