Jonathan K. Rice
JOHNNY HODGES
His pencil-moustached embouchure
wrapped around the mouthpiece.
The reed vibrated just right
at his effortless breath
that gave life to Things
Ain’t What They Used To Be.
I can smell the cork grease,
pads and spit:
that sweet jazz saliva
lubricating arpeggios
as his fingers dance
vertically across the brass.
My turntable spins the Duke
across my living room.
Bio: Jonathan K. Rice is editor and publisher of Iodine Poetry Journal. He is the author of a chapbook, Shooting Pool With A Cellist (Main Street Rag, 2003) and a full-length collection,
Ukulele and Other Poems (Main Street Rag, 2006). He has been a longtime host of poetry readings in Charlotte, NC, where he lives. He is a recipient of the 2012 Irene Blair Honeycutt Legacy Award. Jonathan is also a visual artist represented by MoNA (Museum of Neighborhood Art) formerly known as Plaza Muse in Charlotte, NC.
Wild Goose Poetry Review 
I enjoyed reading this. I could feel the music.