POEM: Rain

Posted 22 March, 2010 in Audio Poems, My poems, Poetry

Rain [ 1:00 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Listen to this poem using the player above.

The quotation that begins this poem comes from the “Excerpts From Oliver Charming’s Diary” section of Jack Spicer’s “Unvert Manifesto.” I read that line and couldn’t stop thinking about it.

Photo of Jack Spicer

Rain
(for Jack Spicer)

“there is a morning when it rains
in the corner of everybody’s bedroom”
Jack said, eyebrow raised

I never knew whether he was joking
or whether his little exclamations
were more like Buddhist koans

rhetorical devices that were intended
to get the brain juices flowing
opening the mind for something or other

“better give me that umbrella, then”
I answered, raising my own eyebrow
trying to fight fire with fire

but Jack wasn’t amused
he just turned away in disgust
and opened his well-thumbed journal

I felt like a fool, a novice
I rose to go,
witless and small

“don’t leave,” Jack said, “listen”
he put a finger to his lips
I held my breath, concentrating

and there it was, in the corner
of Jack’s room
drip, drip, drip, drip

4 comments to “POEM: Rain”

Robin Eichele, March 22nd, 2010 at 8:29 pm:

Very tasty spicer sparse oblique. Will stay tuned in. Robin

Jason Crane, March 22nd, 2010 at 8:42 pm:

Thanks so much, Robin. Glad to have you along for the ride.

Patti Wicks, March 26th, 2010 at 10:57 am:

Jason,
I loved “Rain” this is the first I knew of your poetry and I’m looking forward to reading more on your site.
Thanks for including me in your Jazz Session Podcasts. An honor to do your show!
Patti

Jason Crane, March 26th, 2010 at 4:52 pm: