Not the greatest of poems, this one from Mr Baas. Uncovered via google delving – late night musings on a ‘didn’t leave the US’ possible world. Short hop, skip, jump from this to googling longtime LA resident, English singer, Terry Reid and a bad (almost good) song he recorded by Louise Goffin (plucky daughter of the massively over-successful Carole King). Had a particularly deflating 5th of July one time in NYC – but that’s another story. Turns out Terry will be playing Ronnie Scotts in June – as a concession to sentiment and this strange confluence, I think I will go.

Leftover 5th Of July Fireworks

Leftover 5th of July fireworks in the distance
Illegal ones on backlawns & driveways
Children writing their names in sparkler trails & passing the flame
Hit a time of year when even at night the air retains the humidity of day
But now there’s a breeze
& now it’s turned into prime time summer
Rain & lightning & I’m falling asleep to the rhythm of a rattling fan
That white noises the lonesome crickets
& I stare at streetlights that spotlight in little patches of grass
Blink with every blade until I fade through R.E.M.
Into deep, peaceful sleep
But only finally in the muggy restlessness of a comfortable bed just made
& the shades are drawn but I can make out
the everglades in my dreamsight
A parallel two through which the football moon makes a field goal
& stars that stare back at you like if you’ve ever been to Yellowstone
Looking for someplace where happiness grows wild
Only in the strangest of heat
& the blue neon fly zapper buzzes sporadically throughout the night
Which is covered in navy blue canvas
& the dew is being brewed for the next morning

Thomas A Baas

Like Terry’s expression in this preview. He may not have been the lead singer of Led Zepellin, but it doesn’t seem to have embittered him. Good singer.