Johnny Payne

 

I don’t know Satie; never went to Paris,
speak French when all other words have vanished.
Piano murmurs soothe us while they scare us.

The notes cascading slow can make my skull bust
but gently, as when eggshells slip off cooked flesh.
I don’t know Satie; never went to Paris.

I let compassion fill me in a fast rush
the way cold water passes through a blind fish.
Piano murmurs soothe us while they scare us.

Of killing hatchets, his touch is the softest.
Satie: his delicate name makes me panic
I don’t know Satie; never went to Paris.

I want to write his music, but I can’t guess
the secret sensual language that my notes missed.
Piano murmurs soothe us while they scare us.

Disquietude and mystery let my heart rest
as I stop hearing everything but hard mist.
I don’t know Satie; never went to Paris.
Piano murmurs soothe us while they scare us.

 

Johnny Payne’s work has recently appeared in Neon Door, Gasher Journal, Sparks of Calliope, Society for Classical Poets, The Chained Muse, and Soundings East. His most recent published novels are THE HARD SIDE OF THE RIVER and CONFESSIONS OF A GENTLEMAN KILLER, which won the IBPA Gold Medal for Horror in2021. His books of poetry VASSAL and HEAVEN OF ASHES were published by Mouthfeel Press. He has directed his plays DEATH BY ZEPHYR and CANNIBALS for Slingshot Players, Los Angeles.