Barry Peters
I am a writer and teacher in Durham, NC. Publications/forthcoming include The American Journal of Poetry, Best New Poets 2018, Baltimore Review, Broad River Review, Connecticut River Review, The Flexible Persona, The Healing Muse, I-70 Review, Jelly Bucket, Kakalak, KYSO Flash, Miramar, Plainsongs, Presence, Rattle, The Southampton Review, South 85, South Florida Poetry Journal, and Sport Literate.
The Bubble Machine
I find courage,
ask if you want to see
the Count Basie Orchestra.
Hours later – blue dress,
pearl necklace – you climb
into my father’s Rambler.
Jazz at the Philharmonic
sweetens the ride
to Lake Compounce.
You ponytail your hair.
The wooden rollercoaster
thunders the spring night.
I buy cokes, cotton candy.
We walk to the bandstand.
I straighten my tie.
Have you started
your research paper
on the Romantics yet?
We sit by the dance floor.
Tuxedoed musicians
cradle gold horns.
Basie at the piano,
twinkling the first notes
Shiny Stockings.
You lean into my shoulder.
You put your hand in mine.
You say with sugary breath,
I hope they turn on the bubble machine.
Sheila-Na-Gig online 