All day Facebook admonished me to help celebrate my friend Robert Lipton’s birthday, so I share this poem written in his memory. It was published in Silkworm, the annual review of Florence Poets Society, last year.
Sharing this makes me think about a lot of things, including (1) I wrote a poem with a word I can barely pronounce (paean) in Bob's honor (guffaw), (2) I hear his words in my head "Death, the great poetry prompt" as I listen to this, and (3) I miss Bob.
Luv the video reading, hearing your words an reading them a double delight Sadly though no report back in the realm of reality. All answers will be heard from the heart
I should say this was recorded last autumn (2015) at Art in the Orchard in Easthampton, Massachusetts. That's Mt. Tom in the background. I live on the other side of town, in the shadow of the mountain. :)
This is how old friends speak across the distance. Whatever in you was touched by that poet reaches wonderfully back here. You sure live in a pretty neck of our woods. (Who wouldn't sing?)
The Lip, perfect. "Words strung together and hung on my hips," divine. There is no greater gift, whether in life or in death, to give a friend than a tribute such as this. Bobby must have been something! Thanks, Marian. Amy
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And now that you don't have to be perfect, you can be ---good.
This is so good and timely for me too. I love the part about you wanting his words to hang from your limbs and how you are expecting a report back.
ReplyDeleteSuch a great tribute.. not least the rhythm of the line breaks....
ReplyDeleteA lovely tribute, really enjoyed seeing you read it in the video. Beautiful landscape behind you! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteA lovely lovely poem, and wonderful tribute. k.
ReplyDeleteEach part of this poem touches the heart and mind: the fortune, the questions, things learnt and the sum of missing a friend.
ReplyDeleteLovingly conceived and delivered. Great "scenery" as well!
ReplyDeleteThis is fabulous, and I wish he could report back. Gorgeous backdrop for your recorded piece, kiddo. How you must miss him, he sounds amazing.
ReplyDeleteHe was the very definition of curmudgeon! I learned a great deal from Bob and really valued our connection.
DeleteLuv the video reading, hearing your words an reading them a double delight
ReplyDeleteSadly though no report back in the realm of reality. All answers will be heard from the heart
much love...
I should say this was recorded last autumn (2015) at Art in the Orchard in Easthampton, Massachusetts. That's Mt. Tom in the background. I live on the other side of town, in the shadow of the mountain. :)
ReplyDeleteVery aptly devised in the video Marian and a great tribute! Wonderful scene must be the same the other side too!
ReplyDeleteHank
This is how old friends speak across the distance. Whatever in you was touched by that poet reaches wonderfully back here. You sure live in a pretty neck of our woods. (Who wouldn't sing?)
ReplyDeleteA beautiful tribute to your friend. Thankfully he will never be silent. His voice continues to speak through his work.
ReplyDeleteThe Lip, perfect. "Words strung together and hung on my hips," divine. There is no greater gift, whether in life or in death, to give a friend than a tribute such as this. Bobby must have been something! Thanks, Marian. Amy
ReplyDeleteValediction, done right.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written; I felt I got a sense of the real man.
ReplyDeleteI really like the last line, especially after reading your note.
ReplyDelete