We once were children,
your playful face full
of innocent humor.
Everything was funny
until it wasn’t,

but when faced
with the brick wall
of who you were
supposed to be,
you cleared the way
with the honesty
of your choice
and became the person
you always were.

The playful face returned,
that smile to let the world know
you understood the joke
and would have the last laugh,
not at anyone’s expense
but from the reservoir of joy
you found as a man
at home in your own skin.

 

Raymond Masseaux
1948-2020 RIP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reading of “For Ray” with music by Kenny Burrell

 

 

13 Responses

  1. This one moves me deeply with its tender power and beauty — you make me cry Don, and I see and feel your smile Ray, broad as the world in my heart. Gratitude! db

  2. Thank you Don. I dedicate this to my blood brother Ray Cohen. He was a prince and his death at an early age was felt deeply!

  3. I can’t imagine a more beautiful way to witness someone’s life. Tears for someone I never knew, but wish I had.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *