Melodic Strands

Electric guitar
chords
pulsate ears
on southbound bus--
rifts based
on Mississippi
Delta and Piedmont
styles
spitting lessons
into jugs.
Howling--
Fingers
bending string
recorded
by needle
injecting bits,
circuits filed away
in Library
of Congress,
promoted
by race record
companies.
Inspiring Chicago
Westside sound
of Blue--
grass vibrant
as Sierra foothill
hiking trail
in April;
marked directions
to road
to dam-dried cascades
to polygamous village
plagued by Gold Rush
drowned in
lake.

 

Poem by Ciara Brewer.  Response by Nadia Hassler.