Poetry by local Key West poet and writer Joe D. Wells aka Island Joe
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The way our family ended up in Key West, in the early nineties, is both true and funny now.My wife, Elizabeth of 26 years, who was taken by cancer several years back, and I purchased a lot just outside Aspen. We had been traveling between Aspen and Key West for some years, looking for a small town atmosphere. Like most cities, the inner city of Memphis changed, from when she grew up there and again, we wanted a safer place to raise our children.
Well it came time to make the move, I ask her, were would you like to move? Her response, and I still hear her voice today was, “I love the mountains, but I am afraid, if we got snowed in on the side of the mountain for several months, even wtih all the love I have for you, I might kill you.” She smiled and we moved to Key West.
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When I lay beneath the Sea
The sea is deep as is her love Her bounty is plentiful when she opens her waves When I lie still I feel the feathers of the white dove Go to deep and your illness will become grave In the beginning one approaches with nervousness But the promise of her hidden treasures draws you near As time wears on ones approach turns to recklessness Then it is late to realize you are feeling fear Island Joe - 2011
Voices Tell the Story
Her heart is hers to give and take Her body remains true to her heart Her love is only a guest The war wages on, but time is on her side When does truth be felt When does the truth be learned Listen my friend for it is there The sound is the key to her heart Listen to her voice Do you feel her reflections The true path lay in her voice Island Joe 2011
Is the fool the one who thinks everyone else is a fool? Island Joe
This is a section from a song, I wrote back in the 80s, while I was living in Memphis
Dirty Dishes
Dirty Dishes And sticky sheets Cigarette butts falling out of the ash tray Don't kick my dog Their ain't no heat at home Island Joe
Shot Dead
Shot Dead Waitin' on you I hold you in my arms beneath me You cry beneath me And still all this time I don't know what you mean Island Joe
She likes to Rock
Artificial colors streaming All in her hair She's checking you out Thinkin' - what do you dare? With one eye on the door And one on the roam Boy - you better look out You're on your on She likes to rock Island Joe
Free and Fire
What is the difference between Free and Fire The direction people run - Island Joe
Biography
Joe D. Wells, Jr. (aka Island Joe - Key West, FL) was born in Arkansas in 1959. His childhood involved a lot of moving, attending perhaps 10 different schools, before graduating high school from Colombia Military Academy.
He worked various jobs on the streets of Memphis i.e. waiter, booking rock bands etc., before making his stake as an off Wall Street Investment Banker, traveling the world, several times over. His knowledge of Wall Street is self taught.
He moved his family to Key West, Florida in the early 90's, then losing his wife, Elizabeth, to cancer, he was left to raise three children, (Trey, Brandon & AJ) which he will tell you is no easy job and perhaps, he could have done better, but he sure could have done a lot worse. Everyone seems fairly normal.
His family started Island Joe's Coffee Roasting Company around 2005, which has gained international fame for their ability to roast fine gourmet coffee and espresso. Then he begin baking, which bakers start early in the morning. Finding he had time between baking pastries and roasting coffee for customers, he begins writing, finding the solitude at the café early the mornings to be very relaxing. He can write without being disturbed, after all Key West is a drinking island, which most occurs at night and Joe D. has be known to enjoy his drink.
View Espresso
French Roast
