It was EPIC!
The July 28, Haiku Milieu at Twilight at Montrose Saloon was one for the record books.
For the first time ever, the songwriters were supported by a rhythm section of some of the most in-demand players in Chicago, John Abbey and Dan Leali on bass and drums respectively.
John and Dan deepened the intimacy and vulnerability that characterizes Haiku Milieu shows with their sometimes gentle, sometimes insistent, always expansive accompaniment on 14 brand new songs inspired by a Haiku Milieu photo and haiku.
Close to the end of the night, I read from the introduction to my tiny book, RECKONING.
Just as I finished the final haiku of the poem, one of the amps started to feedback, as if the Gods of Creativity themselves wanted to share a song with the crowd!
It was a visceral reminder of the sheer power of creativity flowing through all of us, at all times.
It was an incredible night of sexy Haiku Milieu songwriters bringing the songwriting HEAT to Montrose Saloon. We can't wait to do it again at Haiku After Dark on Friday, September 2 at FitzGerald's. If you're in town - JOIN US!
Meanwhile, enjoy this poem.
Introduction to the tiny book,
RECKONING
by Jenny Bienemann
One line just this long
another no more than this
a final one here
one line at a time
sometimes thick and sometimes thin
sometimes a circle
it is not magic
and everyone can do it
let life move the pen
beware of the doubt
it will say you are no good
and you can’t do it
then your poor ego
still hurt from past endeavors
will tell you to stop
those who know you best
may say that you do not know
what is best for you
those who you love best
afraid of their own shadows
may turn from your light
just this much is true
there is a light inside you
that wants to come out
Photo originally shared by Nikki O'Neill.