Nothin’ but the blues . . .

The neon is aching, flashing constant, glowing lonely rainbows
they bend and stretch, dripping in the rain
a reminder of something half-forgotten
of lives in disguise

I can hear a melody as I move slowly down this deserted city street
to try and ease my pain
she enters from a place I used to know
and sees through all my lie.

It's a stranger's kiss in the witching hour
an embrace without intent
the lyric composed so long ago
but we all know what she meant
I find substance in my comfort there
we all have from time to time
the music wants to bring you back
to your rhythm and your rhyme

Because you can hear her, alone or in a crowd
the neon will continue until the dawn cries out aloud
so I thank them

those who follow their own muse
who understood

you calmed me down
when you sang the blues.

END

Alan Phillips  has created over 300 book jacket covers, and he has illustrated a diverse selection of classic literature, including works by Robert Frost, Rudyard Kipling, Jack Kerouac, among many others. He has illustrated several children’s books and his artwork has graced the pages of The New York Times, Boston Globe, National Geographic, Tennis, Golf Illustrated, Snow Country, Polo, Field & Stream, Reader’s Digest and dozens of other publications.  He was also the featured artist for Canopic Jar #12. For more information on Alan Phillips, read the artist's Bio.

The Juke Jar                          Canopic Publishing