Marty (Then and Gone)

a tribute to my best friend marty, taken way too soon. i am reposting this because it got very little attention when i posted it originally, plus i wanted to add one of marty's favorite songs

When two live wires intersect

A spark so vivid, raging light.

As two disparate minds converge,

Each dislocation is contradicted

By these eclectic beings;

Their junk cars veer toward the night,

So proper words, so laughable

And always self-inflicted.

And often impolite.

 

A merge of minds so different,

Two gleaming, guileless spirits;

These rumbling docile creatures

March to thoughts so reckless…

Their manic, carefree intellects

Reflect the dark, like horror flicks,

Those stilted double-features.

 

He offered talent, I brought noise;

Two make-believe musicians,

He let me think that I belonged…deluded…

A muted notion - -

If this was war,

I packed no ammunition.

His need to fly, his bid goodbye,

Borne by gilded talent wrapped in song,

Back to where it had all belonged…

His star would whisper when… and why.

 

A soggy day, so right to mourn,

So starkly torn by rage and pain;

I somehow knew. I somehow knew!

My sister shouted, “Read the paper!”

And I choked to see his name in print,

His transient time was lived uniquely,

Remembered now for things he did

Now glowing - his human power grid…

His aura, my guilt, now smeared by pain:

His cold, staccato imprint.     

 

dan © 2014    

 

Music: “The Song Remains the Same,” by Led Zeppelin                   

Author's Note

Reviews

[Confuser]

Dan: Please don't let me forget...cannot put it in my library...just a line: same with RR???

[dan]

Dale, What is it I'm not supposed to let you forget? And what is that cute puppy's name? Please let me know what you mean. take care...dan

[Confuser]

I wish to put your poem in my library, but it will NOT work; nor will RR's. That's my baby Louie, but he's older now. I love him ssssooooo much. I really loved the writing.

[dan]

Louie? Cool name. Thanks for the smile I have on my wet face now_dan

[Confuser]

I so love my husband, but he knows, my dogs can melt my heart too,,,doesn't want to compete. Have a great night.

[Confuser]

Dan: This is one of the most beautiful heartfelt poems I've read here - descriptions phenomental; man, I would love to have known him. It is a wonderful tribute and so very sad..I do believe you knew. That foreboding feeling in our gut is real. Wow, I am so, so very sorry. Happens all too often. Very touching deep and real. Love it. Too much to quote. Really, truly great writing. in my library...Bravo Dan. Thank you so very much! Dale

[dan]

Dale, Today is the 26th anniversary of his passing, so I thought it a good time to re-post the piece, especially with one of his favorite Led Zep songs as accompaniment. I have to be honest, with all of these fantastically poignant reviews I'm receiving, I'm sitting her with tears running down my face. Pretty much what I've been doing most of the day, it is still THAT FRESH. Thank you so much for your warm and kind words. All appreciation to you! take care...dan

[modtoddinc]

Dan, I really enjoyed this piece, the words flow out and the feeling mirrored by the music provides the reader with an understanding of what was, but how you feel about what is. I choked up a little and found myself in deep contemplation as I finished the read and listened to the rest of the song thinking about Marty, I scrolled up and reread your beginning explanation, and saw that 'The Song Remains the Same' was a favorite of his, as I was thinking what a great song to play for a friend lost, and of the poem so eloquent, meaningful and truly respectful. I am sorry for your loss, and thank you sincerely for reposting this for us to read.

~Peace, Todd

[dan]

Todd, I chose today to re-post the piece, first because it only received one review the first time (it was the first day I joined WC, no one knew me at all) and because today is the 26th anniversary of the day he died. Thank you for your warm and empathic words. take care...dan

[....................]

A creative title to a wonderful tribute to your friend, Marty. The juxtaposition between two friends (one talent and one noise) - those opposites that often attract, especially in friendship - is wonderful throughout the piece, though it is all connected with the strongest friendship.

I really love the use of the word 'transient' both fitting for the brief nature of life and in its use as a reference to electricity again.

"a soggy day, so right to mourn" - a rainy day to accompany the tears... beautiful. And the final lines, "His aura, my guilt, now smeared by pain:" - too late to deal face to face with any regrets.

A wonderful piece, dan.

[dan]

FT, Thank you so much. I chose to re-post the piece today because it was 26 years ago today that Marty passed on. Had myself a nice long cry, then looked for one of his favorite songs by Led Zep. Thank you for your kind words. take care...dan

[....................]

That is so great of you, dan... after 26 years it gets no easier, I imagine. I am happy you reposted this. - FT

[Isabel25]

Oh Dan. Noone should ever go through this pain. this loss of someone you connected so much with. "His cold, staccato imprint"- that is such a sharp, final ending. It reflects so much pain and loss. I hope he is flying somewhere up above u and that he would be happy to see you write about him, that too so beautifully and meaningfully.
Through pain emerge the most beautiful things. This poem is living proof of that. Take care Dan. Be happy.

[dan]

Annie, Thank you. Today is actually the 26th anniversary of the day he passed. But I can still feel him sitting beside me, saying "Hey, we need to smoke another joint." I will never forget him. I appreciate your kind words! take care...dan

[Isabel25]

He will always live inside you Dan. Rest in peace Marty.

[dan]

Thank you, Annie_dan