trains howl – think of wolves –
so hunch up in the chair alone,
with jazz of the moon
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This poem was written in response to Carpe Diem Sparkling Stars #19, James A. Emanuel (1921-2013) “jazz-haiku”, another great prompt hosted by Chèvrefeuille at Carpe Diem Haiku Kai. All of the poems in the link-up can be read here. And, to finish, here are Miles Davis, John Coltrane et al –
Oh, this is great, Blake —- You’ve captured that jazz syncopation — a rush at the beginning and a delightfully dramatic pause before ——- alone —. There’s just enough formatting that this WORKS without being overdone. And perhaps this is goofy — but — it has a great “noir” feel to it too. I can see the lone wolf detective hunched in his chair in a curl of smoke — a glass of bourbon in his hand.
[applauding]
Oh I hadn’t been thinking of film noir, but now you mention it I can see him too 🙂
Thanks, Jen. I really wasn’t sure how to go about this when I looked at the prompt haiku but I found this really interesting. We were just talking about experimenting and I can certainly see how these ideas can be useful to keep in mind – a completely different texture.
Exactly — texture! That’s a great description.
This is a wonderful jazz-haiku Blake. I like that comparison between wolves and jazz really an awesome response on Sparkling Stars.
Thanks, Chèvrefeuille. I must admit I had no idea how to approach the prompt when I read James A. Emanuel’s poems, which are unlike any other haiku I’ve read. But as I worked on it I could see that his style opens up all sorts of possibilities.
So, thanks for introducing him at CDHK 🙂
What a great piece you have chosen…I find very sultry…the wolves howl indeed…just beautiful!
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! I tend to imagine the moon likes listening to Miles Davis and John Coltrane, mostly 😉
I think the stars do too:)
Jazz of the moon, and two of my favorite musicians. Wonderful, Sue.
Thanks, Sara. I’m glad you liked the image. And yes, the music here pretty much demanded to be chosen 🙂