IN MEMORY OF MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD

Controlled fire

was your name.

I first heard you when you played for Paur Butterield

and my heart was in my mouth.

You blew the roof off that night as did Paul,

the most sublime harp-player since

Little Waiter,

I said to myself, OY!

These guys are the best.

I didn't change my mind later,

though in my ego-sadness-envy

I wished I could've shared

(to be more honest-replaced)

you on that far away cloud

that you never really relinquished.

Heroin and tears and Black Chicago

were your foundation.

Now you're gone.

Last night Z put on the first Paul Butterfield record

and heard again with old-new ears

how beautiful you were.

REST IN PEACE

You did your work well!

© 1991-1999 Danny Kalb
All Rights reserved.