Mr. . . Phantasm by Lepadah Spokenword

Ladies and Gentlemen introducing Mr. . . Phantasm
measuring his steps into afternoon
suited in entertaining regalia
the ruler a star be latent

narrow leather trousers
blouse sendal fleck simulated jewels
quarter length cape in red
but of course . . . befitting his majesty

taps at bottom of gold tipped "Mission"
dwellers gawking
a flurry of expletives he fired
anlace pupils over bifocals

smoke billowing out nostrils
ring arrogance
propel dance; his walk
methodic direction

a courtyard show
stance an elevated hip
down shift. slight skip tilting to the light
a piano key limp

up and down; up and down on his way
125th street
"Amateur Night at the Apollo"
he's gotta to be there . . .

to summon the disappearance of legends
Bojangles , Handy, Eubie
landmark residents of Strivers Row
call to the boy wonder

awash days of the lit marquees
now dull prototypes and sample thieves

the sweet bite of Harlem
the bitter aftertaste; no more soul food
no more soul food
blanched collards; porch eggs
wheat grass and whey

supreme bow; golden oldies for Harlem
absorbed in his finery
promenade out of the clouds

ladies and gentlemen introducing . . . Mr. Phantasm . . .

© 2011 Lepadah

Dedicated to all the music men in my life


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Mr. Phantasm . . . (spokenword)




From: mapovia (mapovia)
Last Visit: 7:52 AM
Posts: 7460

To: lepadahxxx
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Posted: Sep 14 11 07:43 PM
Message:
57652.2 (2 of 2)


The old order changeth, yielding way to new.
Before Harlem was Black, it was Dutch,
Before it was Dutch, it was Native American,
before it was Native American, it was glacial.

Love your stuff, Sister.
mapovia