Sir Rossen, Errant Knight of WC (1964-2014)

He wrote of errant knights, I can't help think that his spirit will forever live on in his poetry, as well as all of us whose lives and poetry he touched with encouragement and inspiration.

Sir Rossen, Errant Knight of WC (1964-2014)

You were among the first to welcome me 

here to the WC...

You wrote of love unrequited 

a friend's duty of last request

sharing a beer at the seaside

Out beyond the pier at sunset

star-crossed lovers and individual fears

Dragon flies and fire flies 

jousting knights and fire fights

rock and roll and rundown bars

pretty girls and blasting guitars

I just want to know, dear friend...

How long did you know

your time was nearly at an end?

Looking back on your poetic words...

it is beginning to be clear.

You must have known your end was close,

yet you thought enough about the rest of us

to send messages of concern, I suppose

Your words were prophetic

Your wishes made clear

You left a set of instructions

for someone who was dear

Asking for a friend to bring you down to the pier 

and share with you.... one last beer

The poem was clearly written

distinct and eloquently phrased

You described the place exactly

where you wanted your ashes

released into the bay.

I didn't realize the import

the poem would mean for you.

It just sounded like a beautiful 

hypothetical tribute to someone

way beyond this crew.

As poets, we're known to amble

rambling on in solitude

we exercise and amplify

our wonder and our due

We keep our muses busy

trading rhymes and counter-clues

Oh, dear Rossen, I wish it were not true...

You messaged me comments

of support and encouragement.

You shared with me moments

of your life with your son,

during trying times when all

I could think of was my own.

You birthed him in a bathtub

You held him first of all.

You were so proud to call him yours

It was clear he was your Sun.

He lit your daylight hours,

you waited for morning's break

to see his smile light up

his youthful, sleepy face.

You shared with me pictures

of yourself with your son, 

It's obvious the laughing silliness

didn't stop until day was done.

You left us all too early

We are not ready to say 'Goodbye'.

But as, with all great poets...

Your words will never die.

They are out there in the ethos

They mingle on the net

They may one day offer comfort

to those of us who miss you yet.

You will always be welcome 

as my muse in my head.

Just please, don't make me get up

too early and out of bed.

We will miss you, dear friend.

Rest in Peace.

Bright Ocean Star; December 3, 2014

Author's Note

This tribute to a dear friend here on WC took me a few days. I had to process some memories and he deserved the very best I could put together.
Please, feel free to help me improve it. Thank you for stopping in to read this.

Reviews

[Einstein Noodle]

how marvelous that we are able to form deep and meaningful relationships in a world that doesn't involve the physical ... your poem reflects your appreciation, even love for him ... who would even attempt to improve it .. only you Bright Ocean Star ;) i regret to say i did not know him but upon reading this tribute i certainly wish i had .. can you post a link to his page? is it still open? ... would love to read his poetry ..peace and love!
E.

[Bright Ocean Star]

His page is closed, but I recently sent some my favorite poems that I saved from him, and sent them as read requests. Go check your R n R feed.

[Einstein Noodle]

thanks ..will do! be well!!
E.

[Riverz]

I think this rossen tag is u. c'mon, admit it. itz awrite if u want to play sock puppets in cyberspace.....

sad. but not illegal.

[Moonie]

A perfect dedication. He sounds like a delightful poet. I wish I would have known him. You have found the best possible words!:) Here's to the Errant Knight of WC!!

[Bright Ocean Star]

Thank you, my friend. I'm so happy you liked this one.

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

I did not know this person/writer, but reading your tribute to him he must have been one hell of a person… a wonderfully touching tribute.

[Bright Ocean Star]

I didn't really know him very well, Cowboy..but his poetry was crazy awesome. There's a whole sequel story to this. I'll have to tell you about it sometime..Thank you for stopping in to read and review this one. I always appreciate seeing your insightful comments...:)

[The Rock And Roll Cowboy(REBEL WITH A CAUSE)]

I didn't even pay attention to the name… where is my head… small world actually, I went to school with his sister.

[Bright Ocean Star]

that's amazing. Wow. I thought you lived in another part of the country. Guess I'm way off. Thank you, my friend.

[The Black Warrior]

Wow, this brought tears to my eyes!

[Bright Ocean Star]

Thank you, Suk. He was a WC friend who I had never met in person, but his poetry was always a joy to read. We will miss him.

[Matching Socks]

A very moving tribute. So sad to lose someone so young.
Beautiful poem you've penned.

[Bright Ocean Star]

Thank you, Ana. I'm happy you dropped in to read this one. It's a bit strange. I didn't really know him very well at all. How well can we know each other over the net? But, I just couldn't let someone who'd become a friend just die and not memorialize them in some way, you know? It just seemed like the right thing to do. Thank you for reading and commenting on this one...:)

[Matching Socks]

It is the right thing to do, so many people here touch us through their poetry. Probably more so than the people we know 'in real life'. :) xo

[Brittany Zedalis]

╰☆╮This is a beautiful tribute..I have not been on here much and didn't know the news until I read this.╰☆╮

[Bright Ocean Star]

Yes. It was quite sudden news for all of us as well. I guess we are lucky that we heard about his passing at all. Thanks for stopping in to read this one. Emmajoy told me originally. She's creating a Christmas collaborative and his brother contacted her. He saw her name on Rossen's computer and thought she'd like to know.

[charlie]

I think this person is still around here. I've seen that account - someone logged in to that account - atleast three times since this post was published...

[Bright Ocean Star]

It may be his brother. His brother apparently contacted one of the other writers to her know that Rossen passed on. But, thank you. I appreciate the information...

[SpeedyHobbit Armstrong]

I'm very sorry for the loss of you and your other WC friends. Powerful write.

[Bright Ocean Star]

Thank you, Speedyhobbit. I appreciate you stopping by. I couldn't let a fellow poet die and sink into an abyss of forgottenness. His talent was worth more than that. I also appreciate your time leaving this thoughtful message...:)

[Sami Khalil]

A wonderful tribute to a talented poet and friend. Some powerful memories you share with us...Excellent...:)......

[Bright Ocean Star]

Thank you, Sami. I deeply appreciate you dropping by to read and review this one.

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome...:) ........

[Lyn Anderson]

This is really beautiful. You obviously connected very well with this person. I never had the pleasure, really, save a few reviews.

[Bright Ocean Star]

He messaged me out of the blue when I lost my internet. He just wanted to check in to see if i was ok. I would message him questions about people that I was unsure of and commercial advertisements that hijacked a group he and I belonged to... He was a professional photographer in California. He was just a nice gentleman who never seemed threatening or weird in any way, and so I got to know him over time. Great writer. Amazing love sonnetier (that should be a word, even though it isn't presently considered one.)...:)