Blistering from the ground,
an array of ivory claws
rake the earth.

Do your ears burst
with wistful jazzy blues
as dull, dusty joints
caress lucent instruments,
shine blinded only
by cakes of dirt?

Inching from the grave,
notes of death emerge
from dusty bodies,
painting recollections
of swinging legs and beads,
feathers in hats, automobiles
driving souls to temptation.

Tonight, eyes come to life
reflecting music of
the dead.