Stephen C. Middleton

Misrepresentations


So many
Misrepresentations of improvisation
Sit on some statute book

Of myths less interesting
(They came looking for the wrong Johnson,
Misread the song, the runes, the code)

Little to purpose
Of hard earnt expertise
Deep sinewed

Motifs repeating
A twinkle of mischief
A sprinkle of hoodoo
Barely discernible

They quibble at luminous maps
Of road & rail

Cerebral, magical, mystery & presence
It’s a commitment
Slivers . . .trailing off, & deep, deep echoes.