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Music as Poetry

        Went to the fortune teller

                                                                        Had my fortune read

            I didn't know what to tell her

            I had a dizzy feeling in my head


These opening lyrics by Robert Plant and Allision Krauss introduce the song “Fortune Teller.” A great song in its own right but heard live – Boom! 


Allison Krauss and Robert Plant at 

Kettlehouse Amphitheater, Aug. 9, 2024. 

I had the opportunity to see Plant and Krauss live at the Kettlehouse Amphitheater (Bonner, MT) on August 9. This experience – and their outstanding show – reminded me of the power of music as poetry. 

An article published by the Poetry Foundation says “[p]oetry and music have been intertwined for thousands of years.” Dating back to the days of antiquity, poetry has attached itself to music. Terms like lyrics and ballad are common in both genres. 


One of my favorite poems – “We Real Cool” by Gwendolyn Brooks – carries a jazzy, bluesy tone. Check out this link for more musically inspired poems. 


The poetic power of a song such as “Please Read the Letter” shook me to the core. 


Caught out running with just a little too much to hide

Maybe baby, everything's gonna turn out fine

Please read the letter, I nailed it to your door

It's crazy how it all turned out we needed so much more


The narration, repetition, and storyline, each is a great reminder to listen to live poetry as often as you can, especially if you can hear the author read their original work. Just as with musical artists, the passion and intent shines through. 


So, what came first, music or poetry? 


You may just have to ask the fortune teller.

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