Tribute

[Malcolm F]

Hi. I'm new to the forum and it's been suggested that I try posting here.
There was a programme on Britain’s BBC Radio 4 a few days ago about Leonard Cohen’s “Halleujah”. It reminded me of the poem I wrote after being blown away by his performance a couple of years ago at the O2 Arena in London. I’ve enjoyed his work for years. The poem’s meant to be a tribute. Its borrowings, tone and rhythms change as different songs are referenced. Hope there’s some of you out there who’ll enjoy it.

Leonard
When they asked me who you were, I said
Song writer, singer, poet.
But I could have said a dark gold thread
Recurring through the years.

I’ve known you such a long, long time,
Through anger, joy and tears.
You’ve been there at new beginnings
And at some bitter ends.

I knew you first such years ago;
On laid back nights with friends
I heard your songs of hate and love
And kept them with me close.

Now, I’m grown so much older,
But that famous blue raincoat –
With the tear on its shoulder –
It still has the power, you know.

And the bird on the wire
Took Berlin and Manhattan
And set them both afire.
Now you’ve claimed back Hallelujah,
And built a tower of song.

With new work and old ideas,
Your reputation strong,
You perform to packed arenas
And the audiences beguile.

The voice is rich and deeper now;
You charm the gathered throng
And with your talent, wit and warmth -
Yeah - you even made us smile.

[Jean Fournell]

But I could have said a dark gold thread
Recurring through the years.

Well done!
This probably mirrors the experience of more than one of us.

And I like your way of paying homage...

[lizzytysh]

So do I, Malcolm... very much.

[Sideways]

I enjoyed that Radio programme a lot. I heard it on a World Service transmission we get in Toronto. I appreciate your poem which had strength from the pattern of not using the obvious Line 4 rhyme.

[Cate]

A nice tribute.

a dark gold thread
Recurring through the years.

It's so true isn't it. There's something about Leonard's music/poetry that is timeless. For me as well his work has been something I've come back to at different stages in my life each time taking something different away from it.