What the horn blows
resounds through my studio
in the concrete jungle
where pin oaks grow
What the bird sings
resonates in my dreams
at the break of dawn
when in full swing
What the book dares me to think
keeps me on the brink
often, all too often
like fortune tellers who blink
What the day will bring
I can hardly say
but I always find my way
like a gypsy gone astray1
So what do you play?
And what do you sing?
What do you write?
And what do you bring?
- While I agree that “gypsy” can be and sometimes is a pejorative term, I consider the use of it here to be favorable and fitting, because fortune-telling is traditionally associated with gypsies and I’m attempting to connect the last line of this stanza to that of the previous one for historical relevance. I’m also using it in a more or less positive light in reference to the protagonist.
6 Responses to “The What”
Tony Sadler
Love it! Keep it up Ricco!
Ricco Wright
Will do. Thanks for all your support, brother.
Yielbonzie Charles Johnson
Loved it, until I stumbled over the word gypsy, giving up the rhyme – might “wanderer” do? Love you, Y
Why Being ‘Gypped’ Hurts The Roma More Than It Hurts You : Code …
https://www.npr.org/…/12/…/why-being-gypped-hurts-the-roma-more-than-it-hurts-you
Dec 30, 2013 – According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the first known recorded definition of the term “gypped” dates back to the 1899 Century Dictionary, which says that it is “probably an abbreviation of gypsy, gipsy, as applied to a sly unscrupulous fellow.” It also appears in 1914, in Louis Jackson & C. R. Hellyer’s …
Gypsy dictionary definition | Gypsy defined – YourDictionary
http://www.yourdictionary.com › Dictionary Definitions › Gypsy
Gypsy definition: The definition of a gypsy is a member of a tribe of people found throughout the world who has no permanent home or someone who shares this … An exonym (external name) based on the mistaken belief that the Romani people came from Egypt, the term Gypsy is loaded with negative connotations.
Ricco Wright
Given your commentary, I provided a footnote. It’s my hope that it at least clarifies my usage of the word “gypsy” and gives a context for better understanding.
Terry James
In the past I have played with my life
Today I sing unto God a Praise
Motivational moments I write
In hopes, like you Brother Wright, to allow for possibilities of
new insight
Ricco Wright
A new insight and a clearer vision are great things to hope for. Thanks for sharing your poetic testimony. Much appreciated.