In the still morning
the sound of whale’s breath,
geese in flight,
fog horns in the distance.
Close as always
the comfort of silence
and practice of grief.
Angels appear
with a birth wail,
then depart
in a last shudder;
the world a tide
flowing on without regret.
Having written of you
with tears of time passing,
I let go and free you
to your becoming,
your record in the folds
of this human heart.
John Mackenzie, RIP
1/3/1949 – 9/16/2024
Reading of “Record of a Friend” with music by Procol Harum.
“Your record in the folds of this human heart“; what a marvelous line!
Sympathy for your loss, but what a wonderful remembrance.
Let All the Earth Keep Silence … Closely with You, Don
Taking this moment to share your tender tribute to someone dear to you.
And always, the letting go…
A beautiful tribute, Don. A time of grieving with acute awareness of enveloping sounds around you. Your choice of music provided the perfect entrance. May you be at peace.
A more beautiful tribute to a passed loved one has not be written. John’s spirit and soul are nourished for all eternity by your poetic remembrance. Bless you Don
So McKenzie caught a cab.
Tough for us to acknowledge that the team picture has another bare spot.
Thurbs,Eddie,Dennis…we’re at an age where we know for a fact that the good did die young and left us flawed geezers to make our peace with the ghosts.
Great sharing, Don
A friend said: the older we get, the more goodbyes we have to say. Two of my best buddies departed this year. I feel the holes in my life’s space and am tempted by the belief that I’ll meet them again in the great beyond.
Don, your fine poem brings to mind, among other things, some funny stories from the time John came to Evanston a long time ago. I also enjoy the posts from Jay, Jack and the others. Good stuff, good thoughts.
Very moving, Don. If you are blessed with a long life, that also comes with the sorrow of losing many friends and loved ones along the way.
My sincere condolences.
Many blessings to you and the community of people who loved this man. Your tribute to him touches me deeply in the heart. Through your words we can all feel the grief of loss and love for John. A beautiful tribute to your big heart as well.
Thanks for the lovely tribute, Don.