BETTER GIT IT IN CHARLEY'S SOUL

For Charles Mingus

Back and forth
Back and forth
Back and forth the thick fingers move the fearful
     metal strings
Willfully submitting to the desires of the master.
Willfully giving in to the music in his head
     eyes closed, fingers preaching.

His sweat quenches the string's thirst
His soul gives sound to their voice
His fingers guide them on their path.

Repeatedly they try different keys to the soul.
Back and forth they move
Reaching tune with your own chords.

And the strings they moan their mantra.
They become a chorus 
Chanting the notes of your soul.
They find the word.
Back and forth
Back and forth they sing along with you.
You both begin the chant.
You are both now under the guidance of the master.
You are both now in his soul.
Because he has given you the bassed-down key to  his joy.
And you my friend
Yes you in your industrial-shaman trance,
You better
You better 
You better git it in your soul.