I took seven
steps back toward dead level
Dead Beat,
beat down, fat beats in Old TownThere were too many hipsters drinking green tea and throwing dimes
They couldn’t help anyone feel good about themselves
But the local economy blew them nonetheless and they clamored for Lou Reed
The Boys
came out, but it was a lazy day, clearance t-shirt day, v-neck and manscaping
No bangle,
bad angle, lettin’ it dangle at New TownApartments that look like Martha Stewart threw up an import store
But only enough money for two at beer bust prices, no eye contact with strippers
Taking the bus home, this guy would not do by light of day
There was a
time when I was sure of what I was
What day,
rough clay, morning casts my face anew, but do I recognize itReinvention is only good when we realize who is playing bass
The vibration is the constant man, no need in tuning down a step
You can strangle the lyrics all you want, but it is still you crooning
And we think we speak the same language..
ReplyDeletethrowing dimes? Lou Reed?
So wish there was a comma after 'threw up'
Even without the bits I don't get, it is still compelling by the universally applicable lines, its final stanza and the rhythm.
And we think we speak the same language..
ReplyDeletethrowing dimes? Lou Reed?
So wish there was a comma after 'threw up'
Even without the bits I don't get, it is still compelling by the universally applicable lines, its final stanza and the rhythm.
This could be made into a blues/jazz song. I don't quite get everything here, but I could somehow visualize an American town hit by the recession and unemployment and the fear of losing homes and hearths. Am I right in understanding this context?
ReplyDeleteagreed.love these colorful characters and the doleful picture you paint.
ReplyDeleteHey! I drink green tea and croon the same old strangled lyrics.....!
ReplyDeleteWhat makes this piece so strong is the contrast between Old Town and New Town, and they pseudo lifestyle which each incorporates, and then the man in the street narrator trying to find his own way, but still feeling lost. This is the voice of one stuck in the first couple of decades of the 21st Century, just trying to find the sense.
I specially like these lines:
ReplyDeleteThere was a time when I was sure of what I was
What day, rough clay, morning casts my face anew, but do I recognize it
Reinvention is only good when we realize who is playing bass
I hope you feel refreshed over the weekend ~ I only feel tired when I think of work on Monday :-)
OMG, this is one of your best poems ever! Totally love it! And oh those closing lines are brilliant!
ReplyDeleteThe images and the feelings are very clear and powerful. Well done.
ReplyDeleteGreat imagery. I love the rhythm to this.
ReplyDeleteMartha Stewart threw up an import store...
ReplyDeleteHhaaw...what an image...and I have no trouble picturing it!
wow, Corey. whoosh.
ReplyDeletesomehow "New Town" took me to San Diego, not sure that's right but it worked for me.
"but it is still you crooning the same old song"...
ReplyDeleteIt always is, isn't it? No matter what.
K
Chock-a-block with wise and unsparing observations; you do the compressed novella as well as anyone.
ReplyDeleteYes, I am still crooning ;D
ReplyDeleteI love the charm of your verse
Nice response in return of this matter with genuine arguments and explaining all regarding
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ReplyDeleteyeah, same old songs, but we learn to play 'em better...taller and taller in the saddle, cowboy
ReplyDeleteHey Corey--this is so clever and yet at the same time it rather downplays the cleverness in a kind of self-mocking ironic way--old town new town--all around the town--yet you have so many very particular images and references--they are so apt--I don't drink green tea--reinvention is maybe not the best route--maybe discovery, and okay--discipline! Very cool poem, thanks! k. (manicddaily)
ReplyDelete