"And Then He Wrote Meditations" is a poem written by Gil Scott-Heron as a tribute to the legendary jazz musician, John Coltrane. The poem explores Coltrane's journey as a musician and his groundbreaking album, "A Love Supreme." The poem opens by acknowledging the contributions Coltrane made to black music as a master of the tenor saxophone. Scott-Heron notes that while there have been many poems mentioning Coltrane, none specifically delve into his magnum opus, "A Love Supreme." The poem itself is written with "A Love Supreme" in mind and is titled "And Then He Wrote Meditations," a reference to Coltrane's later album, "Meditations." Scott-Heron describes Coltrane as straddling the darkness and trying to fill the emptiness through his music. He rode into the middle, aiming to be the bridge between spirits, urging them to "expand." The poem highlights the influence of African rhythms and timeless beats that reshaped consciousness and created new dimensions within the void. Coltrane's music pierced through the ebony nothingness, provoking resistance and the appearance of walls. Despite the challenges, Coltrane persisted, rising up above the barriers. His defiance and musical prowess were unparalleled, defying the night and challenging the very concept of existence. The poet wonders about the concept of reincarnation and the connection between one's dying self and the bleak skulls of others. The poem depicts Coltrane facing hostility and rejection in a place that denies emotion and welcomes intruders with violence. However, the obscurity loses its grip, and the darkness transforms into gray shadows. A ray of light pierces through, illuminating never before seen concerns and pushing back against the nightmare of soundlessness. Amidst the chaos, a faint warmth vibrates, drawing Coltrane towards heaven. The wind beckons him to leave Hell behind and embrace the rhythms of paradise. The poem ends with the repetition of "A Love Supreme," emphasizing the transformative power of Coltrane's music, followed by the mention of his later album, "Meditations." In summary, "And Then He Wrote Meditations" celebrates John Coltrane's musical journey, particularly his album "A Love Supreme." It explores the challenges he faced, his defiance, and his ultimate transcendence through music. The poem reflects the profound impact Coltrane had on the world of jazz and his ability to bridge the gap between spirits through his artistry.
