Langston Jazz Poetry

In a manner of speaking, Langston
the cherubic brow, dead center vision,
a custom for tipping, of history,
across the breast and shoulders holds on

An arm aloft the ocean and river
the hand flexing powerfully anxious
tempered by the cacophonous hours
rendered by the time taking-- burdensome.

For Joplin for Harlem for Africa
a full season on Broadway, editions,
translations, appearances, and bastions
once again as a smile held ages

Where music has gone let it go always
The river and its broad strokes delighted.