jimmy reed in my home
singing slower than the cars
you know how soft we ride
honey fruits touching notes so light
playing out our pulse
the beat of the wolf's gate
your blow is so rocking
your harp is so deep
our heads fields of wheat
the whistling train
you learned guitar under the willow
made the scent of leaf come from the breeze
sail us down the river when you breathe
they sold your song
left you dry with staggering mind
soul come out your cry
you draw your words so calm
venus singing love beside you
reminds you of all the forgotten
playing for us now
you tip us to the sky
show us how to feel
we give to you jimmy reed
sunshine in rain
eve birds laughing
— Lisa Panepinto
Lisa Panepinto is the author of the poetry collections On This Borrowed Bike and Island Dreams and poetry editor for Cabildo Quarterly. She lives in Pittsburgh’s North Side.
