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This page contains a number of Miles' poems, which have been published elsewhere. Miles was shortlisted for the 2009 Templar Poetry Prize. The poem, "Robert Johnson singing Cross Road Blues", won 1st Prize in the 2008 Slipstream Poets Competition. Robert Johnson singing “Cross Road Blues”(“Robert Johnson was the most important blues musician who ever lived” – Eric Clapton)When the baby died, You couldn’t stand the silence, the sapping stillness. You were sulky, out of tune with yourself. The road and the music were overwhelming. You stayed moving, breathed the dust of the Arkansas Delta. The guitar was handled in gloomy bars. You loaded the songs with shadows. “I have a woman I’m lovin’, but boy she don’t mean a thing.” The women were abundant or absent. You let the door creak behind you when the time seemed good. Stepped on another bus, and sloppy with regret, found another stage. You flicked out the notes, and threaded a line through the chords of decades, sending yourself to a different world. Multiplying your presence through the strange tunnels of technology, your sharp high voice reaches me now, grasping for my attention. “I went to the Crossroads, fell down on my knees.” Myths grew like choruses. You knew the devil. Dead at 27. Another man’s woman. The use of poison. A cruel melody. The words shoot from the night, glistening with rumour. A familiar pain. Your voice is hidden in stasis, kept huge by time, innuendo and song. You are still singing - “I'm standin' at the crossroad, babe. I believe I’m sinkin’ down.” Miles' poem "Bowing Out" was commended in the 2005 Ware Open Poetry Competition. |
 Miles Salter, Freelance Writer /
Reflectable Ltd
2010
Miles Salter is a freelance journalist, poet and creative writing tutor. He lives in York, UK.
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