Contributor Series 9: If Men Had Ears
Blues
By Alan Britt
Blues is gospel,
secular style.
The hand of the blues
belongs to Jim,
on his raft
dreaming down the wild Mississippi
when fires behind bull rushes
and gambling
with your soul
were ways of life.
Now, about your sad story
of bankers
crumbling beneath
your buffed fingernails,
wives on
extended hiatus,
and ulcers staining
white napkins
at Ruth’s Chris,
may I humbly suggest
a double shot
of the gospel
we call the blues?
Alan Britt’s most recent poem to appear here was Shores of Amnesia (February 2011).
Alan, very nice wrap in the conclusion and the joining of the secular and gospel that blend in each of us. One of the best poems in the series. Thanks.
Stan…I appreciate the kind words, no question about that, but your close reading and insight into the poem mean a great deal to me. Thanks!…Alan