DOUBLE BASS

I told my parents

I wanted to learn

to play the double bass.

That big sexy instrument

with thumpy strings,

almost six feet tall

from scroll to end pin.

I love watching

bassists play jazz

plucking strings

and slapping their baby.

I found out the bassist

calls his string bass

a doghouse bass or

bull fiddle.

I figured if I played

such a big instrument

when I was 16

I'd need a car

to carry my bass.

I love the low tones

the loud rumble

the deep throaty voice

of the double bass.

My parents said

I'd have to wait

at three feet even

I'm too small

I can't reach the tuning pegs.

      Today I had fun reading SWEETHEARTS OF RHYTHM: THE STORY OF THE GREATEST ALL-GIRL SWING BAND IN THE WORLD, which is a picturebook collection of poems by Marilyn Nelson, illustrations by Jerry Pinkney.  The poems are from the voice of each instrument in the swing band.  The book is beautifully illustrated with water color collages.  If you're not familiar with the book published by DIAL in 2009 you will enjoy looking at the formatting of this poetry collection.