reach with suffered care
to wrap the fretboard
in love
callused digits
yellowed by habit
depress taut strands
no longer catgut
blood and bone
grip
connect
sculpting emotions
true life
cries from pearled rosewood
ride’n spiraled steel
playin’ the blues
rob kistner © 2019
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HzTlB-TjAzM
Hi! I’m Edgrrr, rob’s shih tzu.
Great video and poem!
Glad you enjoyed them Jane — thank you!
You would know, Rob. I like the guts and grit of your poem. Nothing like these old blues men to bring it home.
Thank you Lisa. I love the depth and emotion in good blues! 🙂
One of my favourites is Paul Rodgers’ Muddy Water Blues, and your poem has the same feel to it – the blood and bone.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgAfgVAOM3s
Thank you Kim, and that is a fine tune, and Rogers is payin’ it righteous to a badass blues legend. Thank you for sharing that!
This is a day for the blues, friend.
Sho nuff Kerry!
I’m very pleased that I was able to see BB King in concert. He was 80 years old then and still going strong. I miss that great big wonderful talented man.
Saw BB a few times Cie, and my band opened up for him at Ludlow Garage concert hall in Cincinnati long long time ago! Helluva man!
gutsy and gritty, great pic you paint!
Thank you Kate. I spent more than two decades professionally chasing the musical star, both part-time, the majority full-time. I tried to let that experience inform this poem.
I love the weathered word choices. They pair so well with the sound of the blues. Nice song choice too!
Thank you Rommy! I love the authentic expression of core emotions experienced in the blues. It lets the soul soar, and wraps ‘round the heart. When the groove is deep and solid, the highs are towering. I love it like I love avant-garde jazz. Someone who is a master of both is Miles Davis h he is a master!
Outstanding, bang on. This is more in tune (no pun) with what I had hoped for from you. I love the blues too. I have written several blues poems my self. When a poet is also a musician, more depth and authenticity emerges; Love it!
Thanks Glenn! I started with “Moth ‘n Junebug” to counter the obvious, then came back with the obvious “Playin’ the Blues” – because having professionally chased the musical “star” as a singer/musician/lyricist for more than 2 decades, I lived and love the obvious! 😉
Gorgeous use of language here, Rob! 🙂
Thank you so much Sanaa! 🙂
There is nothing like the blues…….I can almost hear the thrum.
Thank you Sherry. I posted with the poem, a couple types of blues for you to enjoy. Hope you did! 🙂
I like the connection you made between instrument and player. It’s a beautiful thing, and BB is perfect to reflect that.
Thank you Kerfe!
Nicely done, Rob. Love those last four lines.
Thank you Ken! 🙂
I think it takes such hands to master the blues.
And a long bit of suffering Bjorn to play them well.
Oh my gosh I love this! I have so many friends who sing and play blues music. In fact, my husband and I’s best friend is a blues musician. I can see him in your words.
Spent more than two decades singing blues and R&B professionally Susie, so the essence of that particular image is fused in my soul.
I quite agree that true life emanates from those chords.
Truth incarnate Vivian!
Thanks Rob! I love it-I miss playing guitar and after reading your poem-I am getting out my Madeira~ I could see and feel your words~
Thank you, so much
You are so mwelcome ella. Play, playl, play…
Nothing like the blues. This poem was drenched in the same musical tone and slow sure hand. Loved every note!!
Thank you so much!
Wonderful – and I love the blues. My son plays guitar (and upright bass) he plays folk and blues – writes his own lyrics, etc. To be able to pursue the arts like you did is very special.
Very very cool Margaret. Tell your son – kudos from me! You are blessed with a musician in the family… 🙂
So evocative! It brought me back to my own playing days, and listening to the Blues greats! I see we channeled the same inspiration for #fret over at dVerse! 😉
Thank you Frank. Great minds… 🙂
You feel so many layers of the musical soul here, the image, the rhythm, the pain and joy and drive. One of your best! Masterful. Was picturing BB before scrolling down. ????
Thank you very much Lona. Glad this resonated for you… 🙂