because we were nomadic pilgrims handing them greasy
sacraments. The best pizzas taste like forgiveness.”
It’s like peering into the cross section of society in America. I imagine every door had a different story to tell. Even the advice from the ‘ladies of the road’.
A Ray Charles story, part of your pizza delivery days! There was no one like him. He expressed his wisdom through music. He also had some decent words to put out into the world other than lyrics;
“There’s such a thing as too much happiness and sadness. What I’m after is contentment.”
“Affluence separates people. Poverty knits ’em together. You got some sugar and I don’t; I borrow some of yours. Next month you might not have any flour; well, I’ll give you some of mine.”
You nail the swing back and forth between anger at the sick history of this country and the hope that we get from the history and art of Ray Charles. Nice to pause a bit on the Light.
Amazing poem. I’ve always heard Ray was not easy to deal with, but could he sing and play that piano! He overcame so many things in his life, extreme poverty, blindness, heroin addiction. “You Don’t Know Me” gets me every time. Yeah pizza could be considered one of the ultimate comfort foods, right along with Mac and Cheese or Meat Loaf and Mashed Potatoes. Thanks for putting it all together.
Sherman, this is such a wonderful poem. It's cool that you met Ray Charles' band. You are a gifted poet and writer in general. I'm lucky to have read this poem!
I love everything about this post, the poem and Ray Charles singing his favorite verse. Katharine Lee Bates lived in my town where I have lived for 47 years, Falmouth MA. My mom always thought this should be our national anthem even though Maryland was where she lived and I mostly grew up. After 9/11 and flight 93 the verse he sang was on continuous play in my mind.
This really moved me. You are a beautiful writer ❤️
Great images…just wonderful…
Wow. The story telling, the juxtaposition of the 'invisible' Ray Charles.
Stories like these are important to tell. Thank you for sharing it, and then in such an incredibly well crafted poem.
I'm in complete awe.
This is a great !Thanks for this one.
“They loved pizza men
because we were nomadic pilgrims handing them greasy
sacraments. The best pizzas taste like forgiveness.”
It’s like peering into the cross section of society in America. I imagine every door had a different story to tell. Even the advice from the ‘ladies of the road’.
A Ray Charles story, part of your pizza delivery days! There was no one like him. He expressed his wisdom through music. He also had some decent words to put out into the world other than lyrics;
“There’s such a thing as too much happiness and sadness. What I’m after is contentment.”
“Affluence separates people. Poverty knits ’em together. You got some sugar and I don’t; I borrow some of yours. Next month you might not have any flour; well, I’ll give you some of mine.”
I wonder where The Raelettes slept.
Actually, a very good poet. I love the color in your poems. So alive.
Very kind. Thanks again, Toni.
A gem.
Thanks, Jack. And thanks for the subscription!
Great story, Sherman, and of course you’re right, “The best pizzas taste like forgiveness.”
Thanks, Paul.
Sherman, you are an inspiration. Thank you.
Thank you, Lisa.
Remarkable.
Bravo
Ray Charles video was the perfect
encore.
Thank you, Alix.
You nail the swing back and forth between anger at the sick history of this country and the hope that we get from the history and art of Ray Charles. Nice to pause a bit on the Light.
Thanks, Sarah.
Amazing poem. I’ve always heard Ray was not easy to deal with, but could he sing and play that piano! He overcame so many things in his life, extreme poverty, blindness, heroin addiction. “You Don’t Know Me” gets me every time. Yeah pizza could be considered one of the ultimate comfort foods, right along with Mac and Cheese or Meat Loaf and Mashed Potatoes. Thanks for putting it all together.
Thanks, Steve!
The best pizzas
taste like forgiveness.
Thanks, Dan. We'll have to go for pizza sometime when you're in town.
Sherman, this is such a wonderful poem. It's cool that you met Ray Charles' band. You are a gifted poet and writer in general. I'm lucky to have read this poem!
Thanks, Beth!
I love everything about this post, the poem and Ray Charles singing his favorite verse. Katharine Lee Bates lived in my town where I have lived for 47 years, Falmouth MA. My mom always thought this should be our national anthem even though Maryland was where she lived and I mostly grew up. After 9/11 and flight 93 the verse he sang was on continuous play in my mind.
Oh beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife
Who more than self, their country loved
And mercy more than life
I'm also long thought that "America the Beautiful" should be our National Anthem.
loved this poem.
Thanks, Julia.
Beautiful
Thanks, Robert.