Ray Of Light (In Memory of Ray Branham)

There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in. ~ Leonard Cohen

Roses are indifferent to thorns,

and thorns are indifferent to pain.

You sleep, and I am the one who mourns,

brimming with flashbacks and falling rain.

Rain falls slightly as a feathered weight,

a gentle touch from a knowing hand.

No more chances; it is much too late.

His ashes return to native land.

An arrow flies the way of the wind.

May you rest in peace, my warrior friend.

Author's Note

In Memory of Ray Branham (9/1/1960 – 4/13/2023)

Reviews

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

"His ashes return to native land.
An arrow flies the way of the wind.
May you rest in peace, my warrior friend."
Dear Linda, your mystical words, striking photo and the melancholy flute notes weave a spell here. I did not know this musician but his talent is spellbinding, ethereal. Your tribute is so beautiful and lyrical-just exquisite. Thank you greatly for this truly spiritual experience.
*beautiful Leonard Cohen reference...

[Ken Simm.]

A lovely gentle misty poem that is a true tribute.

[FGFRANKLIN]

This has some wonderful imagery and eloquent description in it. I caught the Native American vibe from it without listening to the music video. The "feathered weight" and the "arrow" flew swiftly as the verse I was reading. Wonderfully crafted, I enjoyed. On a personal note, I'm sorry for your loss. 62 is much too young to be leaving this earth.

[John the Baptist]

Beautiful imagery in this elegy. i get the impression this was an old friend and possibly one who underwent considerable suffering. I also get the impression he was a member of one of the native tribes who valued his heritage. The sense of loss comes across sharply in this one.

[Richard🖌]

A poignantly apt send-off from a caring master poetess to her, obviously, revered friend … a gloriously rendered, deeply felt homage -- your enthralling, beautifully rhymed, metered, soul-blended lines metaphorically, vividly and emotionally reflecting a man's essence on his journey to the "Great Beyond" … and, what more suitable music than the the sweet voiced haunting tenderness of an American Indian flute to carry his spirit Home.

Cohen's thought-provoking line and your mystically visual image inspire true meaning.
I feel a sadness for your loss, Dear Linda Marie ⁓ Richard🖌

[willweb]

When the end comes all we have left are memories. Here's hoping those memories are good ones. Sorry for the sadness. Beautiful poem.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

this is a beautifully haunting poem and music has a comforting quality about it.
This is a serene way to wake up this morning...
Sorry for your loss.
j.

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

Thank you, Jacob. He finally found the peace that he couldn't find in life. There is no more suffering so I am grateful for that.