Songs of a People


Ebony love songs, ebony fears
fashioned to survive the years,
soulful music laced with tears
cry of love as evening nears.

Rhythm of the indigo light
railroad melody of night
bluesy to survive the plight
soulful record of the fight

Lena Horne, the Count and Duke
a swing and style with human truth
All that heart could raise the roof
blasting from a corner juke.

What other music could compete
with the syncopated beat
of dancing male and female feet
as saxes spill into the street?

Ebony love songs, ebony hope
freedom from the invisible ropes
singing for a brighter scope
reaching for the unsung note.


11/20/17
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017


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Date: 6/3/2020 7:28:00 PM
This is beautiful, Janis!
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Date: 12/11/2017 12:02:00 AM
Wonderful poetry soul, Janis. The blacker the blues, the sweeter the muse. Great poem w/swinging phrases so cool. Love and joy always.
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Date: 11/26/2017 7:44:00 AM
Such a well-written poem, Janis. Congratulations on your fine placement in the contest. Hugs, Sandra
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Date: 11/25/2017 8:18:00 AM
beautiful rhythm and rhyme sweet Janis! thank you and congrats on top placement :)
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Date: 11/24/2017 9:19:00 PM
Congrats, Janis!
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Date: 11/24/2017 8:23:00 PM
Janis, congratulations on your win with this beautifully written poem. Excellent!
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Date: 11/23/2017 12:10:00 AM
Congratulations, Janis on your win.
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Date: 11/22/2017 5:23:00 PM
Such a soulful write Janis I really enjoyed this rhyme:-) Many congratulations on your win:-) hugs Jan xx
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Date: 11/22/2017 3:50:00 PM
Oh, I love this Janis - I am a Jazz guitarist and have been playing most of my life, (I also play keys, drums, bass, sax, percussion), and I went to Berklee in the early 80's and studied privately with a horn player named Mike Metheny, (Pat Metheny's brother) ... the music I write and record is mostly R&B/Soul, but Jazz is my true love! Wonderful - congrats on your win! :-) <3
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Date: 11/20/2017 11:03:00 AM
Loved this Janis, enjoyed the rhymes and message, I concur no better music!
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Date: 11/20/2017 12:38:00 AM
Lovely rhymings in a well written poem ... Enjoyed reading ...
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