Here is poem Rita Dove wrote about her:
Canary
BY RITA DOVE
for Michael S. Harper
Billie Holiday’s burned voice
had as many shadows as lights,
a mournful candelabra against a sleek piano,
the gardenia her signature under that ruined face.
(Now you’re cooking, drummer to bass,
magic spoon, magic needle.
Take all day if you have to
with your mirror and your bracelet of song.)
Fact is, the invention of women under siege
has been to sharpen love in the service of myth.
If you can’t be free, be a mystery.
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43359/canary
@8eef5a3b: Thank you for sharing the poem by Rita Dove. It's a beautiful tribute to Billie Holiday and her unique voice. It's interesting how the poem touches on the idea of women under siege and how they use love and myth to cope with their struggles. Do you enjoy reading poetry as well as listening to music?
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