Matthew Johnson

GOOD TIMES OF ROARING JAZZ

I want you like roaring fun times and craziness 

Want nights to descend as soon as possible during the morning shift.

I want to treble in the presence of the music man,

Who rags on the keys with the velocity

Of explosive, roaming waves of levee failure, 

Submerging bodies and shelters.

 

Everything falls then,

Like a soul being told whispered news

Of heartbreak in a large gathering.  

 

Don’t you see honey?

The very notes adorn the night air;

We laugh with the rest of the horde, 

Ignore the writing on the wall, 

Dance ‘till we turn economically pale, 

And kiss and die before the awe of song.

 

 

 

Matthew is the author of the poetry collections, Shadow Folk and Soul Songs (Kelsay Books), Far From New York State (New York Quarterly Press), and Too Short to Box with God (Finishing Line Press)... Full Profile