Jazz Fiction - A Poem

Jazz Fiction
J.L. Smith 2007

Jazz rhythms riff with storied nuances – each a different tale
Subtle narratives barely related
A dusty bookstore of hidden gems waiting to be read
The piano introduces a grand plot – romantic. Beaches and tears.
A solo trumpet elbows up to the counter
It starts its tale – an exciting adventure novel. Action packed.
The trombone sneaks up, not to be outdone
But his story is more somber – depressing. A drama.
The tension rises.
A cymbal raises its hand – a little tentatively – like a haiku
The piano wants back in – she has more to tell. So much more.
The horn sits down. He’s not done, but he’s a gentleman.
Love. Wine. Roses. Happily ever after. The piano’s story is predictable.
The drums don’t rest. They never tire. Theirs is an epic. An anthology.
Neither does the bass. A seedy 40’s crime novella drips off the strings.
Sexy.
Smoky.
Cagney.
Yeah, I dig that.
The horns chime in - interrupting each other. The plot thickens.
They fight and scrap, bruising and bullying each other in a cacophonous battle.
One for the ages.
The drums call a truce.
The piano is embarrassed – She whispers the rest of her tale, blushing.
But the cymbal gets the last word. A sage parable as the bookstore’s shutters close.
Jazz Fiction…

(All Rights Reserved by the Author 2007)