Compatible Poems

Slow Drag Dead

hallelulia

four black Cadillac

high black hearse

and all

the people come

to hear the trom

bone bawl

look at Slow

Drag picture on

the Wall

He call again

Sweet Emma come

Big Jim come when He call

then honkie play

and honkie plunk

in Preservation

Hall

--Miller Williams, "Alcide Pavageau," from The Only World There Is

That note you hold, narrowing and rising, shakes
Like New Orleans reflected on the water,
And in all ears appropriate falsehood wakes,

Building for some a legendary Quarter
Of balconies, flower-baskets and quadrilles,
Everyone making love and going shares--

Oh, play that thing! Mute glorious Storyvilles
Others may license, grouping around their chairs
Sporting-house girls like circus tigers (priced

Far above rubies) to pretend their fads,
While scholars manqués nod around unnoticed
Wrapped up in personnels like old plaids.

On me your voice falls as they say love should,
Like an enormous yes. My Crescent City
Is where your speech alone is understood,

And greeted as the natural noise of good,
Scattering long-haired grief and scored pity.

--Philip Larkin, "For Sidney Bechet," from The Whitsun Weddings