Singin’ Through the Storm

Summary

The website content is a tribute to American Blues musician Robert Pete Williams, featuring an Italian sonnet and paper art illustration by Sandy Oppenheimer.

Abstract

The article titled "Singin’ Through the Storm" is part of the Poemorama series at Paper Poetry, dedicated to providing poetry prompts. The piece is an Italian sonnet that pays homage to the late Robert Pete Williams, an influential figure in American Blues. The poem reflects on themes of salvation, freedom, and the transformative power of music, using imagery from Williams' life, such as a storm-filled night and a bar-room brawl. The accompanying illustration is a paper art piece by Sandy Oppenheimer, used with permission from the artist. Kimberly Hampton Nilsson authored the sonnet on April 5, 2022, and the work is copyrighted, with gratitude expressed to Oppenheimer for her contribution. The article also thanks Carolyn Hastings for the opportunity to learn and practice Italian sonnets and Christine Graves for providing one-word

An Italian sonnet: a tribute to the artist, Robert Pete Williams

Dear Lord, that storm-filled night, a bar-room brawl Wretched damfool, prison, walls cry the blues My slide guitar sounds out salvation’s call Prayin’ to leave, tappin’ worn-out black shoes Empty laundry room, my Carnegie Hall Just soakin’ with blame, wash me of accuse Jesus, hear me I’m in for a long haul Music, my solace, free from jail abuse.

I had been sussed, beggin’ for more sweet sound Freedom struck me, pardoned up, and walked out Under bright lights, jammin’, strummin’, and rolls On stage each night, road trips, I had been found Merciful me, ain’t got reason to pout Gracious, you been watchin’ over ma soul.

Thank you for reading this unusual poetry form; an Italian sonnet, # 5 in the Poemorama of poetry prompts. It is a tribute to one of the greatest American Blues musicians; Robert Pete Williams (1914–1980.) A big thank you to Sandy Oppenheimer for extending her astounding paper art for the illustration of this piece.

Carolyn Hastings, Italian sonnets are challenging. Thank you for this opportunity to learn and practice

Christine Graves, thank you for your list of one-word prompts for April. In the above sonnet, I have included storm and fool.

Poemorama at Paper Poetry

Singin’ Through the Storm

An Italian sonnet: a tribute to the artist, Robert Pete Williams

Poemorama

Paper Poetry’s panorama of poetry prompts