Tommy Swerdlow is a screenwriter, director, poet, novelist, and actor. His screenwriting credits include the 90s classic Cool Runnings and, more recently, Puss In Boots: The Last Wish. He directed, co-wrote, and co-starred in A Thousand Junkies, which can be found on various platforms. Tommy's Substack "Feel The Rhythm" is a piecemeal autobiography of both his inner and outer life. I hope you enjoy his recent poem, Nectarine.
If I can pick fresh nectarines what more is there that I need I owe no miracle or deed I am no saint or Nazarene Just simple sum of all I've seen If I can pick fresh nectarines There is no quarrel I can find burn all my money I don't mind I'll cut more out of magazines I'll help you pour the kerosene If I can pick fresh nectarines Then I am all I have to be Ambition can't keep up with me I'm too gypsy, I'm too lean My plate is small, my plate is clean If I can pick fresh nectarines I feel my future is secure I feel my Ukraine farmer pure Feel my grand pa, feel my teens I feel my faith and what faith means If I can pick fresh nectarines If I reach up and grab my lunch Lord praise the clock I never punch Lord praise the blood-flown gold and green Lord praise the cool flame, nectarine
I see this poem as a little hymn to freedom - having the freedom to pick and eat a nectarine - an act all too easily taken for granted. Also having the freedom not to punch a clock in card.
Reminds me of this poem which is perhaps overexposed but still beautiful. And he's a Jersey boy like me.
This Is Just To Say
William Carlos Williams
1883 –1963
I have eaten
the plums
that were in
the icebox
and which
you were probably
saving
for breakfast
Forgive me
they were delicious
so sweet
and so cold