Leonard Cohen Was Right

Standing before the microphone,
blank faces stare from cushioned chairs
Jewels sparkle, acting like they’re real,
while bow ties just seem sad…it happens

Marching to the beat of clicking heels,
unbuttoned vests as strange eclipsed spotlights
illumine smoke swirls in overhead rafters 
flowing from my ember’d fingertips

And my hair is a mess…but it always is
and I don’t care…do you?
I’d clear my throat but that does no good,
gravel has taken up residence…it pays the rent

The room goes dim, the audience worries
Glares spark like steel on asphalt
I can see them clear, slowly fading in anxious doubt
My mind scratches some ink in dusty thoughts… 

I love you, I love everything that is you
Need surpasses desire, and I need
My arms long to cling you, crushed against me,
breathing as one, harmonious breath…dusty thoughts…they come

The bass player plucks and that is my cue,
flicking my ashes I begin to read…poetry
and the audience smiles…I am a poet and poetry is cool,
Leonard Cohen was right
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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Adler Avatar
November 30, 2016 at 12:13 PM
awesome and so timely for Leonard...
Green Avatar
November 30, 2016 at 1:52 PM
Thanks so much Joseph, I'm glad you liked this one.
Vinson Avatar
November 27, 2016 at 4:07 PM
Excellent, Chris. Sad remembrance but also good feeling in its way. You found him, knew him, and brought him. I think I can see Leonard Cohen, and he's smiling.
Green Avatar
November 28, 2016 at 9:02 AM
Thanks so very much Doug, what a nice thing to say. It is a great loss but he will live on.
Hamilton Avatar
November 15, 2016 at 2:15 PM
You know LC just passed away in his home in Montreal right? This was a nice tribute to his style. You have a gift!
Green Avatar
November 15, 2016 at 2:19 PM
Yes, I did know that, a sad day. But from what I read he knew it was coming and had accepted it and went out writing. Thanks so much John, I did try to put myself in his shoes while I wrote this.
Daniel Avatar
November 6, 2016 at 8:59 AM
I love this one absolutely, Chris:) a 10+++:) don't know much about Leonard Cohen, but I'm glad to know you:)
Green Avatar
November 7, 2016 at 6:04 AM
Thank you so much Jo. I appreciate your nice comments. You should check him out, he's a fantastic artist. He is one of my favorites.
White Avatar
November 5, 2016 at 7:46 AM
Man, this is totally wicked and wonderful! And I love Leonard Cohen :) Fave and 7!
Green Avatar
November 5, 2016 at 1:40 PM
Thanks so much Darren , he's one of my favorites too. I appreciate your kind words and your visit
Smith Avatar
November 4, 2016 at 10:50 AM
Excellent Chris, so very well done...
Green Avatar
November 4, 2016 at 11:50 AM
Thanks again Charlie for your kind words.
Yvonne Avatar
November 4, 2016 at 9:28 AM
I love Leonard Cohen. I love Chris Green. You are my friend an amazing poet and yes you are cool. A Fav.
Green Avatar
November 4, 2016 at 10:02 AM
Thanks so much my friend, he is one of my favorites as well. I'm glad you liked this one.
Allison Avatar
November 4, 2016 at 8:00 AM
absolutely outstanding Chris! Bravo I demand an encore so am adding this to my faves:-) hugs Jan xx7
Allison Avatar
November 4, 2016 at 7:23 PM
Some time ago Armand sent me a link to Leonard Cohen's 1000 kisses deep - wow what an incredible talent and that voice ohhhhh:-) I would love to hear you recite some of your poems especially this one:-) hugs jan xx
Green Avatar
November 4, 2016 at 8:44 AM
Thanks Jan, I am thrilled you liked this one. LC is one of my favorites so I thought I'd write one based on how his work speaks to me.
P  Avatar
November 4, 2016 at 6:11 AM
Standing ovation!! I adore this, gravel and all! 7+ fave. Now, go comb your hair. :)
Green Avatar
November 4, 2016 at 8:43 AM
Damn, now where did I put that comb? :) Thanks Paloma, for every thing you do for me. I appreciate you more than you know.
Chircop Avatar
November 4, 2016 at 1:17 AM
Fabulous!!! No other word to describe.this better.
Green Avatar
November 4, 2016 at 8:41 AM
I like the sound of that. Thanks so very much my sweet friend.
Vaso Avatar
November 3, 2016 at 9:36 PM
I haunt a lot of the same haunts as Leonord did, wander the same streets, even times change I find this city to be magical in its mixture of cultures and city life. Needless to say, I felt this to be an exceptional poem!
Green Avatar
November 4, 2016 at 8:41 AM
Thanks so much Arthur, I have spent some time in the city as well but not lately. I appreciate your kind thoughts on this one.
Dietrich Avatar
November 3, 2016 at 8:35 PM
wow, Chris. who are you? This is probably the best thing I read tonight! Excellent poetry! (sure wish I could ever be part of such a scene. Don't think it exists around here)
Green Avatar
November 4, 2016 at 8:40 AM
Who I am? I've been asking myself that same question for a long time. :) Thank you so much Andrea for your kind words. I am humbled by your response to this poem. It is one of my favorites and I am thrilled you enjoyed it so much.
Robinson Jr. Avatar
November 3, 2016 at 5:34 PM
I agree w/Dee, you don't miss the details. A spot on, poem, Chris. The essence of being a poet is vividly captured by this quintessential word tapestry of the gritty and sublime. Poetry gumbo for sure. Love your work, bruh. RW
Green Avatar
November 4, 2016 at 8:37 AM
Thanks so much Freddie, I do try to put myself into the scene as I write and look around the area to see what all is there. I appreciate your visit and your always nice comments about my poetry.
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