NALEDi

No Gravatar

Here’s another one from NALEDi, am telling you this woman can write and her voice!! WOW! Listen to NAB RADIO – “kicking FM to the dirt” !

From:  NALEDi™
Date: Sep 23, 2007 10:49 AM
Subject: magnolia trees of memphis
I went
because I knew you’d be there
an empty stage
has always called you
and to claim the city
that I call mine
though you were once a baby
on the grass by the river
but the downtown at night
is mine
for you were an uptown boy
from the east side
where the southern roots
of magnolia trees
with fragrant blooms and glossy leaves
made an umbrella
over you for all those years
you were sheltered
far more sheltered than I
never going hungry
never wearing shoes with holes
never having to say goodbye
to anyone
because nobody ever died
and so I went
because I knew you’d be there
an empty stage
has always called to you
and I chose a black mahogany chair
and I made it my home for the night
you sang
I knew every song
because you played each one
just for me once
and when I couldnt take it anymore
I stood and walked out the door
your voice echoing behind me
through the glass
and I took a deep breath
of the Memphis air
usually warm with Southern spices
and the river wind in my hair
but it was cold that night
waiting for a storm
before I could make up my mind
whether to leave or whether to go back in and say goodnight
I felt your coat
heavy
draped onto my shoulders
and the hands I memorized
draped over your coat
I couldnt turn around
I couldnt face you
couldnt let you hypnotize me
like you always do
but you knew that
so you came down the steps
and stood in front of me
below me
ironic
because you’re so tall
and I couldnt say a word
but you know that I’m never silent
I always talk
yet I never say a word
and for once
after years of speaking for you
it was finally your turn
to say everything you never said
and I listened
as the magnolia trees of memphis
whispered in the dark

[ad]

Leave a comment

Your comment