This poem was inspired by the live performance of a seventy
year old jazz singer, Pearl Johnson, who was recovering from an operation on
her spine. Pearl’s soulful expression through song was therapy for her and everyone
in her audience.
(the performer)
She’s a pearl…
She’s a Pearl
When she sings
the world stands still
Pain stops and hearts heal.
Pearls of wisdom,
the wisdom of Pearl
she waves to the band.
With help she mounts the
stage,
She moves with beauty and
grace,
there’s joy on her face.
A vision in dusty rose
from her head to her toes.
She’s a pearl…
She’s a Pearl
smiles a slow and sexy smile,
Nods toward the piano player,
and says with ease,
“In the key of ‘G’ please.”
She’s a pearl…
She’s a Pearl
“I’m a little lady with a soft voice.” she says
“But if you’ll be quiet,
maybe we can do a little something – something
together.”
Then,
the heavenly voice,
the gift from God she brought
with her,
the only sound in the place…
the look of rapture on every
face.
She’s a pearl…
She’s a Pearl
her song – soft, lusty, and
smart.
Standing
even straighter now,
she takes us on an emotional
high.
For the moment,
in real time,
we are all soaring through
the sky
where there is no pain,
Not for her,
not for me…
She’s a pearl…
She’s a Pearl
it’s magical.
She gives,
We receive…
When she sings,
the world stands still.
Pain stops, and hearts heal.
