Pythian Games

A Baby Boomer’s ID Poem

Posted in Identity Poems, KerryWordsmith by kvwordsmith on March 18th, 2008

I am from screaming electric guitars, from Hammond B3 organs, and crashing Zildjian cymbals.  I am from sitting in on band practice in somebody’s borrowed garage.  I am from hanging out with my boyfriend Bill’s band after school, listening to Crazy Mary sing “Proud Mary”, assuring Bill his drumming was tight, watching Bobby strut and stomp and do nasty things to the microphone.   

 I am from getting in big trouble when I got back home.  From yelling matches with my mom, from getting grounded and going to rock concerts anyway.  I am from saying, “I’m with the band” and getting into over-21  clubs when I was just 15.  I am from sitting so close to the speakers at dances I could feel the vibrations go through my whole body.      I am from listening to Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa, and the Doors, from skipping school and getting drunk on cheap wine.  I am from smoking in the girls’ room, and being sent to the principal’s office for not wearing a bra.  I am from French fries and cherry Cokes for lunch and bumming cigarettes. 

I am from sitting in blossoming cherry trees on April evenings, talking about the first-ever Earth Day.  I am from playing Frisbee in Wilson Park, in the shade of the ancient ginkgo trees.  I am from hiding in my bedroom, burning wisteria incense, listening to “Hey Jude” and “My Sweet Lord”.  I am from locking myself in the bathroom to write sad poetry while I listened to Judy Collins or Joni Mitchell on the radio.

I am from small town USA, where life was like rock and roll: it’s got a good beat but it’s hard to dance to – best when it’s raw and a little bit rough – you gotta have good lyrics, strong lead vocals, some tasty licks, and a chorus you want to hear one more time.   

The band broke up long ago, I haven’t seen my old boyfriend in 30 years, and I can’t imagine catching a Frisbee with this arthritis.  But I still love listening to that old music, remembering when I felt so young and alive.  Life’s a riff.  Long live rock and roll! 

(inspired by Identity Poem Prompt - (c) 2008 Kerry Vincent)

9 Responses to 'A Baby Boomer’s ID Poem'

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  1. shewolfy728 said, on March 18th, 2008 at 2:12 pm

    Long live Rock and Roll indeed. Now they play it as elevator music, but oh well, at least it’s still popular! Liked this one, Kerry.

  2. woodnymph said, on March 18th, 2008 at 4:10 pm

    It’s fascinating to read all these identity pieces and see such diversity. Our experiences make us what we are. We grow, I think, rather than be born into our identity. Thank you, Kerry, for sharing yourself with us.

    I personally don’t care for rock and roll,. I’m a stuff shirt classical music lover, but that doesn’t matter one bit so long as we all respect and love each other. And hey, some of those rock stars are doing great work to make this planet a better place for us all, Bono, to name just one.

    Good work, Kerry.

    Vi

  3. lorigloyd said, on March 18th, 2008 at 6:46 pm

    “….where life was like rock and roll: it’s got a good beat but it’s hard to dance to..” One of the most profound and true statements I’ve read in a long, long time. I think this would work for our entire world today.

  4. kvwordsmith said, on March 18th, 2008 at 7:33 pm

    I’m a rocker, a folker, and classical music lover - I like jazz, reggae & some punk - not so much on the pop songs, or rap. but I guess it has its place… ;-)

  5. jodhiay said, on March 18th, 2008 at 11:00 pm

    That wouldn’t be Boone’s Farm wine, by any chance? ;) I’ve never had it myself, but I’ve heard stories!

    I love so many of the artists you’ve named, plus more (and lots of different genres, too.) I also once dated a drummer!

    These identity poems are such fun!

  6. imogen88 said, on March 19th, 2008 at 1:31 am

    Yes, I agree with Joanne, these identity poems are quite a series. This is great to read, full of youth and music.

  7. espirit07 said, on March 19th, 2008 at 12:02 pm

    Kerry, I remember those days of rock concerts — only I didn’t have the passion it seems you did for rock and roll. I’m like Vi — give me classical and new age instrumental. However, I’m always grateful that I did participate in a part of rock history even if it wasn’t my thing. You wrote this piece with such passion and truth. Lovely!

  8. gailkav said, on March 19th, 2008 at 9:45 pm

    Oh yeah! Loved it, Kerry (or Kezza as you would be known Down Under). What memories this brings back…
    I am from a persistent loud ringing in the ears from standing too damn close to the speakers…

  9. Barbara said, on March 26th, 2008 at 3:44 pm

    Love to see how we are all defining ourselves! I’m with the classical fans, but whatever the genre, music is a huge part of our lives and you have given it due credit, Kerry!

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