Loose Leaf Notes

Soon after completing my first book of poetry, Muses like Moonlight, I wrote the following poem. At the time, my intution told me that it marked the start of a new period in my writing.

I began my spoken word reading yesterday at Floyd Fest – on the “Soap Box” under the “Poetree” – with the following poem. After that, I proceeded to read a collection – 5 poems and one short prose piece – in which the word “blue” appeared somewhere in the text of each. I didn’t go as far as to paint myself blue – something my Celtic ancestors did before going into battle – but the girls (a Floyd Fest couple)in the photo did.

I want to steal the word “blue”
into every poem I write
the way a Hopi weaves a signature
with a bead outside the pattern

I want to leave a kernel of its clarity
in every verse I compose
study its contradictions
and versatility

One day blue is sad
the next, the sky is filled with it
winners strive for it
babies babble it
purple: is another
version of it

Picasso had a blue period
casting all his subjects in its mood
singers sing the blues
not to wallow in melodrama
but because they want
to tell the truth

Mostly blue is cool
like Cher’s son’s middle name
my favorite Joni Mitchell album
or the second full moon
in a romantic summer month

I want to shock the world with indigo
invent new blue slang
drop its name in conversation
wear all shades of it

Delicate or bold
dignified or casual
the beat is just right
it’s easy to rhyme

Blue: is an attitude