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.

[Woody]

so very thoughtful and grand of you Anne! what a beautiful tribute! I'm so sorry for your and WC's loss. I regret I never got to know him. may he rest in piece.
wonderful poem.

[Bright Ocean Star]

Thank you, Woody. It is always so nice to see you here. Thank you for stopping by. :)

[jacob erin-cilberto]

this is beautiful ...and yes, he was a fine poet and dear person...he was one of my friends here at the cafe, and i had no idea he was ill...
we had interaction just the idea.....he didn't let on---we will miss him very much.

jacob

[Bright Ocean Star]

I know, Jacob. The news floored me, too. I had no idea he was sick. He never talked about it. He was worried about me,though. He always thought of other people. A beautiful man who wrote such beautiful works of art. Thank you for dropping in to read and review this one.

[Benita-Staebell M - Kin..]

Wow I didn't believe this at first
when I heard the news and I heard
it before I read this poem.




I didn't think he was going to leave
so soon this poem puts me to tears
he was a friend of mine also.



last poem he read of mine was
If poetry was a love song
and he put it in general reading
and favorites I never knew he would die
the poem was written and posted November 13, 2014

This was his last words to me I believe I was praying
for him I should of prayed more for him :(

If poetry, this poem was a rating... it would have to be 100/100
lovely way you have, Rossen




Thank you for sharing.



God bless. Benita

[Bright Ocean Star]

Thank you, Benita. I'm glad you liked it.

[Benita-Staebell M - KindredPoet]

you're welcome. :)

[Bright Ocean Star]

Thank you for sharing his last words to you, kindred poetess, it is such a shock. Did you know if he was sick? He never said a word to me about anything. I've been searching for obits for him, but none have yet come up. Take care, my friend.

[Benita-Staebell M - KindredPoet]

No I didn't but something didn't seem right that's all I can say and from my lesions I pray for the person but usually I get a feeling like god it telling me happens with my loved ones when I can't contact them but it did make me sad he's gone I learned that he didn't worship god unless I am wrong I am helpless with ones that go that way so I try in pray and share as much as I can in hopes the beautiful writes will lead them to Jesus and that made me even sadder but there was nothing I could do if only paid attention more to the signs. the date of his death or what obits? Take care Benita

[wordman]

i am certainly sorry for this loss and a loss of a friend
at starlite cafe they have a site memory garden they place the poets picture there
and let every one lite a candle in rememberance. maybe wc might do this

[Bright Ocean Star]

I don't know. It's a good idea... We'll have to mention it to the administrators. I'll talk to Dale. Thank you for the idea, wordman. I appreciate you stopping by.

[Fran Marie]

Oh my, sorry to hear this...this a moving and heartfelt tribute to your friend..I recall seeing his name name on this site.. but never got to know him...your emotions and poem here are beautifully expressed

[Bright Ocean Star]

Thank you, Fran. He was such a good man, and a great poet. He was so good at weaving artful ribbons of phrases in each line. A great writer, and a supportive friend. I will miss him.

[Fran Marie]

No doubt you will..it is so hard to believe when some we come to know and draw so close to passes on...there are so many good people and poets here at WC..wish I had known him also..but hard to know all of them ...

[Bright Ocean Star]

He wasn't on lately. I think he was writing a bit in the last month or two...but he'd taken some time off for a few months back as well. I hate this sudden news. Perhaps he had some terminal illness that he didn't speak of. I just don't know. Thanks again.:)

[icelandicblue]

I am so moved by this. It's perfectly beautiful and touching. One can see that your poured your heart and soul into this. I would not change a thing, not a dragonfly nor firefly.

[Bright Ocean Star]

Thank you, Ice. I'm very happy you saw it so quickly. It is hard when friends pass away suddenly.