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| Amherst History Museum |
at the QVC outlet store,
among things they couldn't sell on TV
i find a guitar
tucked 'tween sheets & pillow shams
as if asleep, a beauty, just
waiting for a kiss
by right fingers,
ones hunGRy enough
to part the chords & wake
the song within
& i begIN,
i begIN
playing variations in G,
improv on an old song,
written on a gravestone
under a rhinestone sky---
without words,
this time
"you want some change?"
a funny man asks & i
smile, a silent
'if Only you knew'
a few frown at the inconvenience
of it all, awakening the slumbering stumble
through, an interruption to the consumption
but i know
when to
go, humMMM aloNG
with my close & hide
the instrument again, when
the manager makes his move
we have little tolerance for terrorists---
even when all they bring
is jOY
& ducking in the bathroom
we RInG the halls with LaugHter
ha.
it smells like old yogurt
in here
It's OpenLinkNight @ dVerse Poets, which means it is time to get your poetry fix for the week...go, write, read, fall in love with words. Doors will open at 3 PM EST. See you there. Smiles.
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114 comments:
I scored a #1 tonight.
We have been put on the suspicion list for having too much fun at stores. Little guy picking up a banjo at Cracker Barrel and I playing along percussion with some handheld drum.
And don't get me started on when we play "higher or lower" with merchandise and a price scanner at any of the large box stores.
Wow, you are early. LOL.
I think you disrupted their routine with your improv and joyous sounds. heehee
I still can't figure out why it smelled of yogurt, but it did. smiles
Aw, you shoulda bought the guitar. I think it was calling out to you. I bet you would really make it sing, Brian.
Doggone Brian, I was hoping you brought home a guitar, and we could make some "Banjo-and-fiddle" music this summer...
Many times I've taken my violin out in some (very) strange venues. Almost always well-received. But then--I don't even see those scoffers out there, who are just wishing they cold have as much fun.
A RIGHT-GOOD WRITE!
what a cool thing to take the guitar and just improvise and interrupt normality for a bit..was smiling at the change part and nice bit of heat as well in the waking her song within stanza..ha..never too late to walk outside these lines and have a bit of fun..fun close as well..smiles
gotta keep eyes on your sort, Boy!
Aloha from Honolulu,
Comfort Spiral
~ > < } } ( ° >
Great last line...
you ol' terrorist.
tucked 'tween sheets & pillow shams
"as if asleep, a beauty, just
waiting for a kiss
by right fingers,
ones hunGRy enough
to part the chords & wake
the song within..."
Hi! Brian...Thanks, for sharing the image Of/from...Amherst History Museum
and a moment:
"with my close & hide
the instrument again, when
the manager makes his move
we have little tolerance for terrorists---even when all they bring
is jOY"
Huh?
...through your [very descriptive] poem "never too old to be a terrorist"
deedee :)
I don't understand the underlying meaning, but the nostalgia is clear and I hoped you would resurrect the guitar from its burial place, Brian.
...to part the chord and wake the song within...
The one everyone of us has inside :-)
That's a cool thing to do.Yeah, you should have bought the guitar.
I personally would have enjoyed a random guitarist but I guess not everyone would.
It's good that one can have a little
distraction. The others are distracted too if not for the disruption. We do our own thing and move along after showing our talents. Doesn't matter what comes in between! Nicely Brian!
Hank
Love this part bri
improv on an old song,
written on a gravestone
under a rhinestone sky---
without words,
this time
"you want some change?"
a funny man asks & i
smile, a silent
'if Only you knew'
forgive me for quoting it back to you, but it's ace. This society can't deal with nonconformity, despite all the 'do your own thing' we hear all the time--yeah, just don't do it where they can catch you. Solid piece, man.
I love that you did, I love it! and everything before and after
Yeah, like Steve, I must say I was hoping you were going to come away with the joyous item. Was EXPECTING you to! There should be more joy terrorists around, I think - you never know, they might achieve more than the present sad crop.
Thanks for this pool of morning brightness.
If I'd seen the guitar here I would have bought it... except all the do-not-touch notices put me off.
I thought the words are a beauty, just waiting for a kiss...this is very melodious with all the humming and laughter ~
Well I am in love with words ~
Happy Tuesday Brian ~
Are you one of them there subversive types? ... Good, keep it up.
I could do that, make a store do a jig, play a bit on a found instrument, but then few really listen when I play my instrument...they just pass by saying "crazy old man, talking to himself"
My neice is learning to play the guitar. She can play a mighty tune on it!
haha take the change
Charge more to increase your range
But yeah many don't like having the routine undone
But to hell with it have fun
Amazing times!
You should've bought it!
Amazing times!
You should've bought it!
"you want some change?"
a funny man asks & i
smile, a silent
'if Only you knew'
You terrorist! I am not at all surprised you found your moment between the sheets (grin). Seriously: this is a poem I will copy and cherish. It is such a possibility you give of undoing the hold of consumption and the power of corporations one person at a time even if we have to hide in the bathrooms to laugh.
...sounds like a fun day Brian... of all instruments i think guitar has the closest appeal & mutual connection to people... it has this ability to attract & call attention to many in just one plain look like a pendulum... little did you know you're already holding it... tracing it strings like it was already belonged to you... pianos did possess same magic but in a more ancient way or rather a vintage call...
"you want some change?"
a funny man asks & i
smile, a silent
'if Only you knew'
--- i like that part a lot.... a kind of question that does not require a firm voice / response... silence is the best way to affirm a rather yet to live answer... i also like the rhinestone sky and that old yogurt atmosphere... great write Brian... really enjoyed it... smiles...
As a sometime guitarist myself, I really enjoyed this. And it isn't terrorism - it's a random act of kindness, bringing joy and pleasure into dark places; the world needs more of this IMO.
Love the sleeping beauty guitar.
Yogurt? In the bathroom? Huh.
Ha! I hope you bought it. Unless you have one. Thanks. k.
I can see that...you and a guitar.....!! Good write, Brian
Fantastic and fun Brian. Really enjoyed this--with a smile!
I love how you worked in "grin" - or did *I* work that in myself ha ha ha
Loved it!!!
When I was in Europe this summer, I saw a lot of street musicians--music always makes me feel good--this piece reminds me of that--
.. perfect opportunity for everyone in that QVC store to join the fun .. flash mob style!
Keep spreading the joy Brian, it's contagious, even if it takes a while for everyone to "get it" .
Nice read for my first post of the day, love it!
This is fun, Brian!
Aww... must have been quite a treat. This made me smile, so sweet.
You are such an evildoer.
;)
tucked 'tween sheets & pillow shams
as if asleep, a beauty, just
waiting for a kiss
by right fingers,
ones hunGRy enough
to part the chords & wake
the song within....great lines, Brian. Fun ending :)
"waiting for a kiss
by right fingers," I love my guitar ... perhaps its one of the most prized material possession I have ... playing it takes me closer to my inner self :-)
you should have put your hat out before you started strumming....
Love the poem Brian :) Love the image of waking the sleeping guitar with fingers ... nice!
this made me smile and smile, i could see it all... and I'm kind of glad that you hid it again, so you can go back and try again sometime...
Probably just my computer but your title was garbled, as were most commenter names; came out kt:rttatrrst got the title off the URL, loved the piece, brother. Need to stop by a music store and try out their guitars; they can dig it!
Perhaps I've said it. I don't care. Here it is again. You are a superb story teller. Nice one, Bojangles.
"we have little tolerance for terrorists---
even when all they bring
is jOY"
the attitude of some people, eh? - and maybe the real problem in the world isn't terrorists, but supposedly sane people who see plots everywhere...
you rock!
A reminder I've neglected my guitar of late.
Great words.
i dig your riff, man ;)
Wow... There are so many places you took me, fun, playful, sensual, and surprising. Well done Brian.
That was a fun experience you have here. It was odd though how store people would react to innocent-looking customers sometimes.
One day, I brought my big camera to Target. I got bored waiting for the children to be done trying all the toys in the store so I went outside and took photos of anything and everything. Pretty soon, security approached me and asked what I was doing and told me to stop taking pictures before the police comes in. I think everyone is too suspicious these days.
I admire your writing, so many elements, surreality, softness, intricacy...the end for me was awesome...disjointed with perfection xoxo
Happy Tuesday Brian. !
Lots of fun with an old guitar.... I love it, made me laugh.
Fantastic and visceral! I've lived that moment.
Reality is the terrorist for minds that live in constant fear of looking at the truth....and change...if only.
I love the mischievous playfulness in this one. It was very fun to read!
Great stuff. You can't beat guitar and playing it in store is fine. (Exceptions-Stairway to Heaven and Smoke on the Water) Loved this poem!
written on a gravestone
under a rhinestone sky
Sublime!
"you want some change?" a funny man asks & i smile, a silent 'if Only you knew'
Loved that part. This one made sweet music, Brian.
some interest interactions you have
improvisation - it's a way of life ;-)
A little "change" is good for the soul! Some terrorist--the only thing I'd say you're is guilty of is finding a bit of nostalgia and amusement in your day!! And maybe 'fretting' that store manager for a minute or two (pun intended)!! Keep thinking "young" Brian, never too old to enjoy these wonderful stories you share!
This makes me think of my old harmonica (haven't played much in years). I wish my part of the world had more street musicians. They always seem to be in the old parts of the city where mysterious smells linger. Yogurt...HA.
I believe there is a song within us all just waiting to burst forth... words streaming from our thoughts and put to music is a beautiful thing.
I agree you should of brought the guitar. This would of been perfect. I am not sure why it would of smelled like yogurt in there. Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving such a nice comment. It is nice to come back here to read again. Cheers and really enjoyed this so much
A terrorist choice of weapon; an old guitar; a song terrorist. I've killed many a song trying this that and another, trying to impose my point of view through the constraints of one instrument, murdering the original intent of the song in the process. Anyway, I think a guitar would fit good in your hands.
Wait, I can't get past the fact there's a QVC Outlet. Seriously?
Pretty cool you can play!
That guitar wasn't asleep -- somebody who didn't want to hear it had covered with the other stuff! Sounds like you rang the changes, whether it annoyed the management or not. Wake up call from under those bedsheets!
Ah who cares about the killjoys have fun...love this and love to have fun while shopping whenever I can...mind you if i played guitar well...it wouldn't be quite as funny... :)
Absolutely love this. I play sometimes too, and it would be impossible not to cause a bit of "disruption" after coming across a relic like that. You should have flashed a 'rock on' sign at everyone as you left the place, lol. The second stanza, Brian, wow, the heat in that. I love the message of this poem, kind of rebellious, yet, reminds us to stay young at heart. Very nicely done. :)
Leave it you Brian. I wish I could have been a fly on the wall to listen :)
My friend, I have never been an adult ... and I have too oft embarrassed my family. Famous Barr, (today Macy's) there was a very inviting bedroom scene with a low but large bed filled with pillows and tons of blankets. My daughter and my husband at my side were there one minute and ... uh, uh, gone the next. The bed? All upon the floor. Me red faced? Never! Life is so darned good and you do paint a marvelous picture!
One of these days I shall take up acoustic guitar lessons again ... one of these days ... :)
"oh you want some change?"
Classic line into the poem. That shift then, I love me some wordplay. Good stuff man!
Been thinking of buyin' one of dose dang guitars and larnin' singin' strummin' under your rhinestone sky. Erm...old yogurt smell in bathroom ...good terrorist ploy. Great write, Bri, per usual. :)
PS: I noted this rather quirky top pick at Dog Pile today and thought you might consider it for a blog post:
http://www.heartattackgrill.com/
amazing but true. Owner in his 20's already a testament that it works (in a bad way) he's DEAD and gone.
Just a thought...I know you like to cover diverse topics.
This is so wonderful, Brian. I love the voice and the happening. And a QVC outlet store? Really? Wow! That's got to be fun!
Nice. You take me along on this unusual? visit to the outlet store.
Love the hidden treasure and all the things and thoughts and reactions it brings.
I didn't even know they had QVC outlet stores, but I celebrate your brand of terrorism and urge you on...
i like the implied togetherness, a player and a listener, and laughing together, it sounds like a lovely memory to keep =).
Had a friend who could kick butt on a guitar, and it was fun to see him pick one up and light it up in a store or some place people weren't expecting it.
Cool write, Brian!
Hendrix acoustics playing @ the WaysationOne . . . busking not bombing . . . this is my kind of freedom fighter . . . a strummer and a lover, with odor de yoghurt to boot: peace :)
small tidbits in your lines is always I admire..
Play on, with all the noise pollution we need the music, more than ever.
This is funny and thought provoking. I like the comparison of playing the guitar to a terrorist act. Terrorism is used now like Communism was used in the 50's and 60's. Plus the yogurt part at the end just made me laugh.
We have fun like this, too. I love to putter around stuff. But when the manager asked if you wanted change, the reaction was priceless!! Amy
http://sharplittlepencil.com/2013/02/12/lion-hearted-man-rip-marques-bovre/
I can feel all the fun you had!! What a nice trip to the store! I love the waking up of the guitar. I've tried my hands on a guitar, I suck.
Fun and music to enliven the boredom of supermarket shopping? What's not to like?
In days gone by (if I am to believe the old films) they used to hire musicians to play in shops, to sell sheet music and instruments. You were just following a trend. Now try poem bombing - leave your poems among the soap powders and the bananas.
Once improve-ed a 'gig' in a record shop - plugged in and played - 1st and last gig...!
'Tis amazing how much fun improve you can get out of G,C and D. Bouncing around the generic positions til they morph into each other through blended weird transitions and sacrilegious fingerings!
I had to look up QVC: QVC is a multinational corporation specializing in televised home shopping. Founded in 1986 by Joseph Segel in West Chester, Pennsylvania.
We don't watch cable TV (commercials and all) and I don't visit outlets. So that was a new cultural word for me.
THEN, I wonder what "Southern Conductor" is and how the pic fits your poem. Couldn't find fit -- just this website:
http://www.nscorp.com/nscportal/nscorp/Job_Seekers/Hourly%20Positions/
And I know you are from that area.
But I tried -- well, 'tried' with my pathetic poetic skills.
So how were you dressed that the guy wanted to know if you wanted change?
I didn't get the 'line': "but I know when to go, hum along with my close and hide."
I was really enjoying the poem up to then because the grammar breaks were gentle enough and instructive. But I find huge breaks in grammar and word use stop my reading -- as this spot did. Just thought I'd share one reader's experience.
Odd use of the word "terrorist" -- it is almost as you admit the violence you may be inflicting. That is, causing innocent people pain because you think your cause is just. Though I love people breaking out and doing this sort of thing. There are certainly times when it feels more like a manic selfish fling of the performer, versus an artful gift. The manager did not get the joy you felt he SHOULD have, it seems.
Overall, the whole poem flowed in a way that could keep me reading without too many obscure references or stacato-breaks in thought. I really enjoyed it. And I am one of those folks who am incredibly thankful for folks like you who do this sort of thing. But I see the pain on the faces of other folks and worry how tortured their inner life must be, without the ability to be free. So in a way it is a gift they should have. :-)
Brian, great poem. Inspiration can be hidden even in the oddest places. And why not bring joy to the ones on the planet that forgot how to laugh.
Love this Brian. It is my regret that I never learnt to play a musical instrument - but, I do have to keep myself from bursting into song here there and everywhere.
There are many street musicians in the city where I work - most bring joy (to me) and a small minority irritate.
Your words (any I am certain your music) don't irritate.
Anna :o]
you are such a vivid storyteller, this is wonderful and just makes me want to go and play my guitar
Delightful and full of live images...great to read you...
LOL- bring the music and a twist of perspective that opens the view/mind in a new light. :)
I always love your writes.
Really nice, joyful poem.
I don't really get the verse with the yoghurt. It feels out of place. Maybe there is something I didn't get...
"playing variations in G,
improv on an old song,
written on a gravestone
under a rhinestone sky---
without words,
this time"
Very nice, as is the entire piece. I agree with others--you should buy the guitar and play it frequently.
improv on an old song,
written on a gravestone
under a rhinestone sky---
Gorgeous. A gem
Quite lively. Fun and light-hearted is always good. Nice
this is very nicely done Brian. Love the scene itself, but the asides, as in the inner thoughts contained with the need some change, things like that and the humm and the strum of the guitar that is impossible not to pop into the readers mind, all coincide very effectively here. Never knew QVC had an outlet store for unsold products, definitely something I'd check out if I was near the area. Great read. Thanks
This is wonderful...Do terrorists play guitars? lol
Great walk through the scene.. half-thoughts.. a bit of music (nice).. and a few discordancies. Old yoghurt is a great finish :)
I love this poem, my favourite line is
"just
waiting for a kiss
by right fingers,"
Awesome poem, my friend.
Complete fun with an old guitar.. enjoyed..
i've seen the guitars in the grocery stores. this line "ones hungry enough" made me think of sometimes seeing them above the frozen section (or am i making that up?) and maybe the guitar was over the hungry man frozen food, which is a cowboy, who play these guitars at night around a campfire...ok, there goes my imagination.
Phew, you've got me smiling now. Love everything about this, and the last line is brill!
It's all about spontaneity, isn't it Brian. I really enjoyed this and like Andy said the ending is brilliant.
Pamela
so many neat "things" in this one ;-)
"we have little tolerance for terrorists---
even when all they bring
is jOY" - and aren't they (we, at times) the most dreaded? ;-)
smell like yogurt, huh? hmmm, evocative indeed ;-)
nice overall, esp springing from that beginning, the QVC outlet store of stuff that didn't sell, funny ;-) thanks brian!
I came by, lurking in the shadowed corner, trying to stay unnoticed and yet...found this little bit made me laugh and blow my cover.
Dang.
If we don't fit into a box like everyone else, people get nervous. Glad that you played, Bro.
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