Aretha! Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Frank.
Lending her talents.
With her heart exposed devoted.
Unmistakable her gospel roots.
Distinctive and heard while crossing over,
Blues, jazz and classical music too.

Aretha!
The Queen of Soul.
Dropping her sound ontop of rock and roll.
Everyone knew the voice of Aretha's.
As beautiful as a rose.
But could stop hip hoppers.
And pop lovers who knew,
No one shines like the 'Queen'.
Even this rappers know.

Delivering such passion and commitment.
To feel her mix of pain, sass, and happiness.
Then with her piano.
Drip tears of pathos from those who hear it.
Aretha!
The Queen of Soul.
On her own throne to sit.
Never to forget by those young and old.
As a true icon. A pioneer.
And an American treasure.
Loved and endeared.
Kept to admire.
Ms Aretha Louise Franklin.
You may be physically gone.
But your presence felt will always be near.


Dedicated:
Ms Aretha Louise Franklin
March 25th 1942-August 16th 2018
'The one and only Queen of Soul'
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Now and forever!