Tag Archives: Memphis

on time

we met over music
talked about race, religion
his six years prison
one fifth of his life
incarcerated for what?
he has a temper

~

n.b. We talked at first about football, then of other tribal connections; churches, family, gangs. His is doing a lot of work the Black Panthers would applaud, my tribe just watches football. There are times some of we Britons don’t know we’re born.

I am not condoning lack of self-control. It is not easy, but is it ever a justifiable reason for poor behaviour? I don’t know. Until you are taught, how do you know?

This piece of graffiti on Poplar Avenue is from a member of the (Almighty) Vice Lords. A six point star would denote a message from the (Black) Disciple Gangsters. One group Muslim, the latter not.

CLP 01/10/2022

on time

eventually
fresh-mown grass, birdsong, flowers
weary bones laid down

~

n.b. I was struck by the calm, orderly, well-maintained expanse of a large cemetery on the north side of Elvis Presley Boulevard in south Memphis. Respite from chaos. It’s a shame that such respect is not shown for the living.

James, who was waiting for the bus too, told me this was the best cemetery in the city. Somewhere to aspire to for loved ones when the day comes.

Mount Carmel Cemetery, Route 51.

CLP 30/09/2022

on Beale Street

camera wobbles
trolley catches tourist beat
drunk? it ain't me babe

~

CLP 29/09/2022

on time

it works as designed
humanity the driver
simple, effective

~

n.b. The trolley system in Memphis hasn’t the range to cover the expanded city, but it provides a great service in the heart and is delivered with heart by its drivers.

CLP 28/09/2022

on time

where blue suede shoes trod
they long since left the café
no scent left to track

~

n.b. The nice thing about The Arcade Restaurant is that, apart from a modest postcard, the proprietors don’t trade off the reputation of one of their many happy customers. More importantly the café has been up and running for 102 years. I would say, it’s alright (in a good way).

CLP 28/09/2022