Happy Monday, all! I was going to post a “Monday Morning Blues” video—a few folks on the road trip mentioned how much they liked those—but unfortunately, my left arm is probably best allowed to rest for another day or two in hopes of clearing up this muscle pull. If all goes well, I should have a blues song video up either Thursday or Friday.
In the meantime, & speaking of my recent road trip, I’ve been thinking a lot about “road writing;” & so I thought I’d share a video featuring Mr. Road Trip himself, Jack Kerouac. I first read On the Road well over 30 years ago, & reading the novel was a truly riveting experience. Of course, given some of the self-destructive habits of my ill-spent youth, I focused on aspects of the book that seemed to justify those same habits. There’s no question that Kerouac’s writing has its weaknesses: his unabashed glorification of drug use & his sexism are two big ones—there’s a certain amount of silliness to his vision as well. But having said that, I believe he’s still a writer to be reckoned with in terms of style, voice, the manner of assimilating & recounting experience, & the overall U.S. landscape, both physical & spiritual.
When I speak about poetry & music, this reading from On the Road with Steve Allen on piano (yes, that Steve Allen!) always comes to mind. Hope you enjoy it, too.
Today's post on Alcools is a one line poem by Apollinaire called "Chantre." The original French reads: "Et l'unique cordeau des trompettes marines" For my English version, check out Alcools!