Protest Songs / in response to Military Aggression / Protest Songs / to try to stop the soldier's gun.

Felt not Heard-

Felt not heard
has been joined by
smelled not touched.


You wrapped me in your sweater
to keep the cold off of my bones
on the solo ride home.
Its an ugly rag,
but you better believe I slept with it
wrapped around my chest;
cause it’s the closest I’ll get this life around.


& I’m trying to dance w/ impossibility,
I’m trying to swoon drunk w/ the hum
you slip through my ribs.
but your generosity, accurate and free
sets my home awake
and a little too close to on fire.




It all started when I told you I’d been here 32 days
It all started when I asked you to turn up your bass
so I could grasp your voice
and the metaphor began;
“A good bass player should be felt, not heard”


Your notes, your steel sliding fingers
your goofy ass patentable grin
tickle that fine line
felt / heard


Music is dangerous.
sound waves don’t see skin as solid,
they reach through and shake
each little atom, one by one,
& whether or not you like that trembling
you have been changed.


And I just want to hear you,
I just want my fingers on you
my mouth, here and now
Fuck this dream state bullshit.


But what can I do?
we are cast off different homes,
you are wrapped in older skin,
still, I can’t stop feeling you.


- Samantha Barrow