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The Blues

You have Africa on your mind
The distant land you left behind
With nothing to prove.

Humiliated, without a choice
There’s melancholy in your voice
What is your next move?

Vent your feelings through land and sea
To the rhythm that sets you free
Who could disapprove!

Raise your song – with a blend of hues
Bring on the notes of swinging blues
To shuffle and groove. 


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Author: Paul Callus ~ 8th March 2014
Contest : Take Two
Sponsor: Nette Onclaud
Placing: 2nd

Copyright © Paul Callus | Year Posted 2014

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Freddie Robinson Jr. Date: 11/14/2016 5:17:00 PM I am so glad I combed your archives and found this gem, Paul. My African heart skipped a drumbeat when reading this magnificent poem. The rare insight into the psyche of my people is a gift only God could have given to you. I stand in awe of your talent and wisdom and humanity. Love always to you. Love and blessings to you. Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 11/15/2016 1:13:00 PM I did try to put myself in their place, Freddie, although one can never really experience the hardships and humiliation they went through. Thank you for uplifting comments. Best regards // paul

Lyn Murray Date: 7/29/2014 1:16:00 PM My heart beats to an African Drum . . . and you penned it. Great poem! Lyn Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 7/29/2014 4:13:00 PM So glad you like this poem, Lyn; hope it gets you shuffling and grooving! txs for stopping by. // paul

Kelly Deschler Date: 4/10/2014 10:17:00 PM There is a nice, smooth flow to the words and rhymes here. You have done the blues proud. Great work, Paul! Congratulations on your win, as well!...Thank you for the kind congrats! :) Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 4/11/2014 1:39:00 AM Hi Kelly; very welcome visit this morning! Thank you for your smooth appraisal and congrats. :) cu // paul

Charlotte Puddifoot Date: 4/9/2014 6:40:00 AM the first line immediately grabs, makes the reader want to read further...excellent economical use of language, and good rhythm - congrats on your win! :) Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 4/9/2014 11:39:00 AM Thank you for the way you sum up the poem...very valid points; appreciate the visit and congrats :) // paul

David Mohn Date: 4/8/2014 8:34:00 PM Congrats Paul...you captured the history nicely Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 4/9/2014 11:34:00 AM Many thanks David...both for stopping by and for the nice comment. // paul

Olive Eloisa Guillermo - Fraser Date: 4/8/2014 5:52:00 PM CONGRATULATIONS Paul.. :) +== olive_eloi hoping always for a better tomorrow.. :) Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 4/9/2014 11:32:00 AM Thank you Olive_eloi :) you are one of the best:):) admire your hope for tomorrow; to enjoy today we have to not worry about tomorrow :) // paul

Olive Eloisa Guillermo - Fraser Date: 3/26/2014 4:36:00 AM inspiring words! lyrical! 2 and 3 stanza .. :) wow!!!! :) God bless you thousand times.. :) ====olive_eloi encouraged :) Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 3/26/2014 5:24:00 AM God bless you Olive_Eloi for a beautiful character and kind heart. Thank you for your lovely comments. :) // paul

Lucilla Carrillo Date: 3/12/2014 10:40:00 AM Hi Paul; This is really good. It reminds me of the Blues song. You got me singing the blues. Great write and thanks for sharing... Lucilla Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 3/12/2014 3:43:00 PM Hi Lucilla, thanks for stopping by and for your encouraging comments. cu around. // paul

Tim Ryerson Date: 3/12/2014 4:14:00 AM So you are a blues fan are you Paul? Great history lesson you have penned here! I was born in Greenville, MS in the heart of the Delta...The number of bluesmen from there are too many to list. To list a few: BB King, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker and Howlin' Wolf. Many of them migrated up to Memphis and Chicago for better opportunities. BB got his start as a DJ in Memphis. Elvis Presley from Tupelo, MS was heavily influenced by the blues,,,. Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 3/12/2014 6:11:00 AM Hi Tim, thanks for stopping by. The Blues have a rich history to narrate. I like listening to this music, depending on the mood. I was very much tempted to insert Elvis's "blue suede shoes" in the last stanza! cu around // paul

Pace Ink-U-Script Date: 3/11/2014 2:26:00 PM Awesome Tail-Ryhme my friend..very talented!! This read very smooth! A Winner! Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 3/11/2014 3:34:00 PM Thank you PIUS. Glad you enjoyed it. // paul

Robert Johnson Date: 3/11/2014 1:14:00 PM This is the essence of the beginning of Soul music, New Orleans Jazz and Blues unto itself. Makes me want to join in the band. Loved the write Paul. Peace. :) Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 3/11/2014 1:36:00 PM Thank you Robert; appreciate your comments. peace to you too. // paul

Chuck Melugin Date: 3/10/2014 6:24:00 AM Paul, I love it! Blues of every shade......Blues on parade!! 7 my best, chuck Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 3/10/2014 7:37:00 AM Thank you Chuck; glad you like it and rate it high! // paul

Sze-Leng Tan Date: 3/9/2014 3:56:00 PM Dreaming freedom... and your wildest sense of blues :) Z Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 3/9/2014 4:48:00 PM Right on the mark! thanks for your nice comments :) // paul

Anne-Lise Andresen Date: 3/9/2014 1:27:00 PM - Really great blues, Paul - Feels good to read !! - Have a lovely Monday .... new week :) - oxox // Anne-Lise :) Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 3/9/2014 2:02:00 PM Glad you liked it. Positive feedback is a good tonic! Have a nice new week too. :) // paul

Diane Christian Date: 3/9/2014 6:12:00 AM thanks for your kind comments, nice poem, i like the blues here Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 3/9/2014 11:49:00 AM Tried to tackle the blues while leaving space for a brighter outlook on life. txs for your comments. // paul

Andrea Dietrich Date: 3/8/2014 9:38:00 PM You really did exactly the blues! It comes from africa and that is how you showed it. well done! Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 3/9/2014 5:13:00 AM Thank you Andrea. I appreciate your comments. :) // paul

Funom Makama Date: 3/8/2014 4:35:00 PM I love your rhymes so blue, with nourishing words so true, bringing back good memories and peace all in one crew as it refreshes me with hope like the morning dew... Thank you so much for this piece.... Is what I will join a few to say! Definitely a 7! Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 3/8/2014 4:41:00 PM Funom, thank you; very much appreciate your rhyming comments; glad you like it! welcome to visit any time. // paul

Jesu Johnson Date: 3/8/2014 3:52:00 PM I'm swaying to the rhythmic blend of this one!!!! Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 3/8/2014 4:32:00 PM Thank you Jesu...I take it that you liked it :) ... paul

Ilene Bauer Date: 3/8/2014 3:30:00 PM i love the blues and you've written a nice tribute here. i like the way you've stuck to the rhyme scheme, too... Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 3/8/2014 3:37:00 PM Glad you like it. I was helped re rhyme scheme by having to stick to tail rhyme conditions. :) ... paul

Charmaine Chircop Date: 3/8/2014 3:30:00 PM This definitely have the jazzy feeling of the blues..with all its colours..race and hues. Login to Reply Charmaine Chircop Date: 3/8/2014 7:52:00 PM I think a note would be great...: )I do add short niotes at times...Have a great Sunday : ) Paul Callus Date: 3/8/2014 3:43:00 PM Hi Charma; glad to have you around commenting on my offerings. The Blues have a complicated story to narrate...that's why I tried to match sadness with its musical counterpart.[ maybe I should have made a note to explain what shuffle and groove stand for (?)] // paul