There is a man
playing saxophone
out on the street.
He plays blues
and jazz
with a lively beat.
Smiles at the pennies
from the folks
he meets.
He leaves his case
open praying for
dollars, not dimes,
hoping his tunes
will roll in
good times.
It is Saturday night
and it's getting late.
Time to go home
to his kids
and his mate.
But there's not
enough money
to count
in his case yet,
so he plays one
last tune
trying
to get out of debt.
It's jazz and blues
loved by this man
who plays his saxophone
the best that he can.
Are there street performers in your town? Have you ever sang along or performed with them? Your challenge for today is to write a poem about a street performer.
Michelle is hosting the Friday Poetry Roundup today on her blog Today's Little Ditty
Thanks so much, Michelle.
I hold a special fondness for street performers-- I admire their passion and stamina. Thanks for posting this poem today, Joy.
ReplyDeleteWe have lots of performers downtown Denver and on the Pearl St. Mall in Boulder-great people, trying hard to make a living, or add to it, or gain an audience. Good story here, Joy! I like the beat!
ReplyDeleteI felt like I was on the street watching the Saxophone Man perform. Thanks for sharing, Joy! =)
ReplyDeleteI like the motivation you include with his song -- hints of a deeper story!
ReplyDeleteI can see the performer's eyes looking hopefully at me. I'll throw in more than dimes next time!!
ReplyDeleteLike Linda, I live in Denver, where there are lots of street performers and festivals. In a little while, I'll be heading out to the Black Arts Festival, which is always a conglomerate of visual and performing arts. Your poem makes me think I need to go get some dollar bills so I can do a better job honoring the performances.
ReplyDeleteWOW! Thank you everyone for your thoughtful responses. I'm sure street performers everywhere will thank you for your support.
ReplyDeleteJoy,
ReplyDeleteHe never gives up. His passion won't let him. Love it!
FIRST NAME GREATS LAST NAME EVER
ReplyDelete