writing to jazz makes it easier to comprehend

writing to jazz makes it easier to comprehend

the transformation from your being here in the present
and the turning of wheels, of leaves, of heels in linoleum
making present tense a fare thee well goodbye
tense, past, gone
dead as wind on days

when you really wish to sail
full steam ahead
you go to bed
and dream of schooners
delighted to take you for a ride

not telling you which way the wind
will travel--you prepare with french silk scarves
several books and a thermos of hot mexican coffee
that's black coffee with chocolate liquor brought in
from the bay of funday, under the bridge, underaged

we'll pair it with some gouda and huge hero rolls
thinly sliced cucumbers soaked over night in lemon, dill
and extra virgin olive oil--heck, this whole dish is underaged
and over developed in taste, --never mind
you don't mind--why should i?

it was a smooth ride
through living lattitudes of provincial towns--over taken
by miles of mixed tastes and styles--somehow working
in the eyes of mosquitoes loitering on every single
coast to coast crescendo--uh oh..it's time to disembark

have you a last willful word to say
before we pull off--these gloves and beret
it's getting too hot for overbearing smiles
and crocodiles course through these deep waters
always making the sound we've learned to understand

perchance your sandwich is too much for your small
capacity to receive; the gifts that are running rampant
down alley ways and they'll walk right up to you without
any living mercy and offer you another approach
surely to tickle your tonsils...sit down and have another round

this is going to be a song you won't want to miss
as he's giving her a kiss on the upper deck
you whistle dixie--dare ya..holding onto the helm
and faking a feeling of warmth, hug the boom,
as it sweeps the lower deck--everyone gets wet

and laughs all the way
back to the  port of call--
caw caw caw
caw caw
CAW!


Kate Lamberg

seattle ferry~ 9/12~ photo by Kate Lamberg