Mardi Gras Series #2, Pastel, by John Cummings
PIANO BLACK
A shadow is not enough, not rich enough like cheesecake or a graduation
Shadows are simple, haunting flatnesses, they are memories, impressions
No, a shadow is a threadbare projection, a wish, that sprays the wall and stains the floor.
Night is not enough, there is too much of everything contained in it, bats and birds,
Racoons turn over a garbage can, there are too many cries in the night, it’s too thin discordant.
Space is not enough with its stars, planets, comets jumbled up in it; none of it will soothe.
______________
Marc Janssen
Review by Massimo Fantuzzi
To the centre of the city where all roads meet, waiting for you. Joy Division, Shadowplay
Shadows that chance projects on the wall. Truly special creatures we are, with the power of our knowledge over stars, Earth, and the force of our imagination, like self-proclaimed gods with the power to crown or exile gods. We have (with some exceptions) left the Platonic cave of ignorance in which we were fed shadows and second-hand, regurgitated experiences. Yet, in all our might, destructive and creative, something is missing and perfection still escapes us. The search goes on, but you know we will never be satisfied. The insufficiency behind everything, every discovery, every new toy, every garbage can we turn and turn again – for me this poem is a source of strength and acceptance: deep comfort and everlasting peace are clearly not on the menu in this life, yet in no way could we settle for anything less than perfection, any shadow that waits for us back in the cave.
Review by Kathryn de Leon
An intriguing poem, a very interesting comparison, shadows and cheesecake. I love the idea that a shadow “sprays the wall and stains the floor.” The speaker seems to be having a tough time, dwelling on shadows and maybe upset that their life is confused and crowded, in the way night is crowded with bats, birds, and cries, and space is crowded with stars, etc. Things appear hopeless, “None of it will soothe,” a strong ending. I’m wondering what “Piano Black” means, it’s a great title.