: Memories of My Dad
Been thinking about my father. Not many folks inspire poetry, but my gentle, kind dad had an impact on many people that extended far beyond his modest musical contributions. As I read this wonderful poem by Michael Scholnick, it evokes sort of a physical feeling – growing up (and being grown up) back with my dad and family back there on Dawson Ave in Clifton, NJ.
From New Directions in Prose and Poetry (vol. 37, nos. 1-3; 1978).
For Irwin Heilner
Experience is disappointing,
that’s why life’s absurd.
I learned this watching you shave
lecturing about Beethoven
and prison reform
polite man bathrobed
standing in your living room
I was company
“. . . And all we can do,” you said,
finger scanning skin neck cheeks
feeling baby red smooth skin,
“Is punish, punish, punish.”
Now finding a hair then clipping delicately
with a conductor’s wrist.
Wisdom flows in your speech of an art to consciousness
heavier than Beethoven’s fist
Amazing how he tamed such wildness
ordering blue soldiers in blue chariots
to march around the white Chinese teacup of his mind
How zapped with power he lifted his wrath
above the birds and clouds above Napoleon’s imagination
And smashed antiquity
dropping Quartets 14 15 & 16
on God’s porcelain tongue
For you a musician
An eccentric librarian whose deepest thoughts dwell dusty and unpublished
The eternal is fierce and now
Who can deny your chilly chords?
For you scores of inspiration
Manuals cartons of sage sense
A humble universe
The science of your soul
in an unknown basement
on Dawson Avenue
in Clifton, New Jersey
Michael Scholnick
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Mar 12th, Saturday, 8:00PM-10:30 – Shuffle, Jump, and Moan at Hat City, 459 Valley Street, City of Orange, NJ 07050 (862) 252-9147
After a winter’s rest, I’m back with SJ&M at the ever popular Hat City. I look forward to mixing things up with the crew. Hat City is clean, it has a good sound system, and it has excellent New Orleans style food. I believe there’s a cover charge of $10, but call ahead to confirm.
http://www.hatcitykitchen.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shuffle-Jump-Moan/379081422265206?fref=ts
Mar 18, Friday, 8:00 PM-11ish – Shuffle, Jump, and Moan at Maxfields on Main, 713 Main Street, Boonton, New Jersey 07005 973-588-4450
Yes, it’s back to back SJ&Ming. If I hit any wrong notes last week, I promise I’ll get ‘em right this time. Maxfield’s is comfortable and relaxed (that’s code for it’s good for folks over 50).
http://www.maxfieldsonmain.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shuffle-Jump-Moan/379081422265206?fref=ts
Mar 19th, Saturday, 9:00PM-1:00ish – Better Off Dead at The Great Notch Inn, Route 46, Little Falls (973) 256-7742
And it’s the first Better off Dead show of the new year. The Great Notch Inn is sort of the antithesis of places like Hat City and Maxfields. It’s noisy, crowded, raucous and great fun. But don’t get me wrong, folks over 50 are more than welcome. Vroooom!
http://www.betteroffdead.com/home.htm
http://www.agreatertown.com/little_falls_nj/great_notch_inn_new_jerseys_rockin_roadhouse_00089580
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Great-Notch-Inn/45741843010?fref=ts