Charlie Parker
Did you
think about Charlie
when his heart
exploded
against the
bourbon
against the ice …
did you
think about
embracing
the gifts he gave
from spirit genius
crazy mad
cat out of control
and have you ever
screamed Charlie Parker!
just for the hell of it?
good God,
if you had to take the bird
why did you
leave us so many turkeys?
and now,
what would the bebop angel feel
looking down & listening
or looking up – ears burning
what
would Birdman think
when he realized
rock & roll
wasn’t the worst of it?
we have
shamed your memory
and innovations, Mr. Parker
but truly
it is your fault
as you
are not around
to remind us.