The Singer

A little Tribute to Wallace Stevens

The Singer

He played on in joy, that man
The one with the blue guitar
Melodies swelling like arrogant chests
Tunes could be felt from afar
To ears where the one true emperor lived
Buying ice cream by the ton
Dancing in thoughts of the dreams he had built
In the Pennsylvania sun

In Tennessee he played, that man
Tip jar planted on the hill
Busking 'til dark with birds feathered and blue
And wild women ate their fill
In south Nashville where the emperor moved
He heard all the songs again
His concupiscent longing flared anew
He knew he was home again

Corey Rowley
Copyright 2022

Reviews

[Ken e Bujold]

Enjoyed the read Crowley. and now you have me thinking of the Nashville emperor and Luke the Drifter

[Crowley]

Lol...I can see that. thanks so much!

[Fabian G. Franklin]

This is the second poem I have read this week crediting Pulitzer Prize winner, Wallace Stevens. I have read some of his poetry in several anthologies I have in my library. The line about "the blue guitar" made me think of the Picasso painting. I have an original poem somewhere titled, "The Old Guitarist" in tribute to the Picasso but it's absolutely nothing like the poem by Stevens. The ragged and destitute troubadour, nearly starved and grown old in Picasso's painting just spoke to me. That painting and "The Tragedy" are two of my favorites from Picasso's "Blue Period".

[Crowley]

I can see where that would come into your thoughts...lol. Thanks for the read and review Fabian!!

[FGFRANKLIN]

The picture that went with this one has vanished...poof like my old account I'm posting underneath. I just came back to read it again. It's one of my favorites from you. Cheers, F.

[Crowley]

Thanks man. I love that pic.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

"melodies swelling like arrogant chests"
damn, I wish I would have written that line.

[Crowley]

I probably stole it from you.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I am with Chris. I have not paid enough attention to this writer, but I will now.
Thanks for steering me in his direction with your words...
j.

[Crowley]

Thanks Jacob, and do, he is pretty amazing.

[Chris Shaw]

After reading your fine tribute, I am feeling rather guilty as I do not know Wallace Stevens. The pond divides us.

Melodies swelling like arrogant chests

You write so well of him Crowley I am going to have to look him up. What are your favs by him?

Chris

[Crowley]

My fave is the Emporer of Ice Cream. Thanks Chris!!

[Chris Shaw]

Will have a listen Crowley. Thanks.

[Ken e Bujold]

you are in for a treat Chris Stevens is a joy to read

[Chris Shaw]

Didn't realise he was a poet, until I looked him up:) Looking forward to reading him :)

[Ken e Bujold]

May be as you say an issue of the pond, but over here he's pretty much a mandatory if you're seriously studying Lit

[Chris Shaw]

I think it probably is because of the pond that I haven't heard of him. If he is a mandatory where you are when it comes to study. he must be good :)

[Ken e Bujold]

yes he ranks in the canon right there with Williams, Frost, Sandburg, and Pound

[Chris Shaw]

Well I know all of them, so I am not likely to be disappointed.

[Crowley]

Chris, sorry for responding so late. I love the Emperor of Ice Cream, the anecdote of the Jar, Many in his book the Many with the Blue Guitar and The Idea of Order at Key West. He had a certain way about him for sure. thanks for the review!!!

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Crowley. Will take note.