​POETRY  
         

                                                        "musicians who raised our voices and spirits in song"

                                                                                        Photo by Weebly                                     

                   The Tip of the Spear
                       by Dennis Sides

Joni Mitchell was not at Woodstock, yet she wrote
the defining song of that era. Her somber “Woodstock” played
only on the piano’s black keys, but Crosby, Stills, & Nash,
of course, had the hit up-tempo version we remember.
Every line stardust and golden, still fresh after fifty years.
Her anthem, striking standalone poetry set to music
and melody, speaks to body and heart, makes magic more
than the sum of its parts--Bombers turning into butterflies
above our nation. Best way ever to end a war.
 
Back in the Sixties many of the marches featured musicians
who raised our voices and spirits in song, then set us out
into the light, and the world, on the wings of desire and hope.
Music multiplied by The People demanding a world without war.
O how we need our songwriters, musicians, singers, and poets now!
Let them bring their songs and words to our protests to inspire,
excite, and unite us during these terrible and trying times.
The current issues are a frightening nightmare—our very democracy
is at stake—we must rise up against tyranny, chaos, cruelty, and despair.
Our leaders and poets speak eloquently of real and present dangers,
but our rallies lack that critical tip of the spear to engage the people--
 
Make it music! Make it poetry! Lead us all in sing-alongs, call and response.
Millions are marching! Thousands come to rallies! Harness this power!
Could be a fiery, inspiring Dylanesque singer-songwriter-poet.
Maybe a modern-day Country Joe shouting, “Gimme an ‘F’!”
Entertain and engage the people. Add music and art to harness the energy
and move us forward. Let history repeat and freedom ring, once again.

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Dennis Sides has been a software developer, book editor, professional musician, construction project manager, tech writer, and world traveler. He's hung up his traveling shoes during COVID, but hopes to get back out on the road soon. He's lived in the Fillmore long enough to qualify for "San Francisco native" status.

Other works in this issue:
Poetry:
Low-Margin Blues

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