The prompt for today’s poetry challenge is to create a poem based on the 12-bar blues musical form. My parents played the blues all the time when I was growing up so I’m no stranger to this! I hope you enjoy:
Jukebox Bennie
I’m sweet on Jukebox Bennie, cuz he’s got thick black wavy hair
I said I’m sweet on Jukebox Bennie, cuz he’s got that thick black wavy hair
In June I’m supposed to marry Billy, but I don’t really give a care
My momma said Bennie’s just a playboy and he’ll never amount to anything
My momma swears Bennie’s a playboy and he’ll never amount to anything
But I’m lost in love and floating and I want to wear his ring
When he looks at me and grins my soul cold fades to black
I’m telling yall when he looks at me my soul cold fades to black
Jukebox Bennie done just stole my heart and he aint gone give it back
Billy Johnson keeps a ringing and I ignore his every call
Po Billy Johnson keeps on ringing and I ignore his every call
Cuz me and Bennie is a courting and kissing at the mall
I done told my girlfriend’s Sally Mae and Desiree that today is the day
I said I done told my girlfriend’s Sally Mae and Desiree that today is the day
Bennie’s got something to tell me and I need to go see him right away
I put on my black mini-skirt and red lipstick yall and painted up my nails
I shole done put on my black mini-skirt and red lipstick yall and painted up my nails
But when I got to Bennie’s house that man had run off outta town with Gail
I can’t stop crying yall, I just don’t know what to do
I’m feeling kinda foolish yall and I don’t know what to do
If you ever meet Jukebox Bennie dont’cha be no fool
That man’s heart is empty and shallow like a grave
I’m feeling kinda foolish but I gotta live with the mess I made
Old Billy Johnson wouldn’t take me back and laughed in my face
Old Billy Johnson just laughed and laughed all up in my face
That’s okay cuz I gotta a new crush and he plays the bass!
For more delicious servings of poetry this month, please visit these bloggers as they are also participating in NaPoWriMo!Â
© 2012 – 2014, TamekaMullins. All rights reserved.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
This is cool…:-)
Yep, your blues is sweet Tameka. Especially, love ” my soul cold fades to black.””
Start of another poem, if you ask me.
Benni didn’t know what he lost and neither did Billy.A fantastic poem.
http://sulekharawat.com/2012/04/04/a-brief-moment-in-time/
Thanks Janaki! I had fun writing it. I’m really loving these prompts! 🙂
Hmmm, Nichole, you don’t say? I think you’re right. I could definitely riff off of that line. I will take your suggestion. Thanks girl!
They sure didn’t Sulekha! LOL! Thanks! Looking forward to your poem today too!
I found myself wanting to sing. I think that’s a good sign! 🙂
Hello.
Your pen has that lyrical touch Tameka. Lovin’ your sultry blues! Nice image too.
http://thoughtsofbeautyinthestillnessofdawn.blogspot.com
What the what? Awesome! Now that was a true and complete song, great story, and just bluesy!
Sounds like many a blues song I’ve ever heard. Loved it Tameka.
This was great!
I wish I could hear you sing this instead Tameka 😉 Your words did come smoothly 🙂
Loved it, sistah!
Great post–mind blowing!
Hey Rachel! Sounds good to me! Sing on!
Glad you liked it Andy. I edited the pic so it’s nice to know it was also appreciated! 🙂
I can see you popping your fingers Sweepy! Thank you so much! 🙂
I was trying to represent! Thanks Jenni! 🙂
Thanks so much Melissa! I’m not a great singer, but I can carry a tune. 🙂
Jessica, Corinne and Pamela, I appreciate you guys! Thanks a bunch! 🙂
Singing along, tapping the tune!! Love your writing!!
Thanks Debbie! I was hoping it would make people want to sing. 🙂
Hahah…loved it soo much gal..wt a beautiful rhythm all across the poetry rather such a beautiful song..sounds like d one from old and brilliant days of Rock Music…
Loved it…………..
Mani
Thanks Mani! LOL! I listened to a few old blues records for inspiration before I wrote it. Glad to see you here girl. Have a blessed Easter Sunday!