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Linda, Pete and other interested parties. This is not about mortal illness but an unexpected bereavement.

Song To John

I stand upon this windswept shore
And watch the sun sink to the sea.
This yearning that I have for your
Voice to hear, to share your company.

Alas, alas you have gone from me
To take your rest on the other side.
The hurt is plain for all to see,
This sorrow I cannot hide.

So now our lives must carry on,
Though changed forever they will be.
The love you shared it still lives on,
Old times in precious memories.

You gave your life to humankind,
To share your vision so we may see.
For those of us who are so blind,
Who fail to learn the lessons of history.

We live our lives from day to day,
Never quite sure of our destiny.
Of all the things that may endure,
Surely friendship must the most precious be.

J.W. 1989.

[This song was written in E minor at a slow pace. The third verse has differing chords and melody to the rest of the song.]

A sober Owl.

I would love to hear this song sung by you, sober Owl. A loving tribute to a dear friend, and the friendship you shared. Please accept my empathy and sympathy, which I'm certain still do not come to you as belated.

~ Elizabeth

I remember liking this one the first time I read it, Witty. Was it included in your book? I tried to check last night, but couldn't find my copy. The bookcase got moved earlier this year, and things didn't get put back in the right place. I'm going to have to go through it shelf by shelf now until I find it again.

It's a desolate picture you paint. Your grief was obviously not resolved at that point. I hope it is easier for you now.

Hi Lin, Yes the grief is resolved long ago. It has been over ten years since the mishap that cause the loss. We were the closest of friends from the days of early high school years right up until his death. Soon after the song was written I performed it at a Folk Festival during a songwriting event. Curiously, one of the judges criticised it as being a little too much like Cohen, who he obviously had little regard for. I took his put down as a compliment. Strange how people have contrary views.

Regards Witty Owl.