leonardcohenforum.com

Leonard's most recent self-portrait (July 23rd) is accompanied by some words:
the marble eyes of great power
the imperial style
the violins
the fire
the antique city of New York
where I did my studies.

Apart from the last line (McGill University may take issue with that), if you replace "New York" with "Rome", then you have a vision of the fall of the Roman Empire (Nero etc...).
Or is it the fall of a more modern empire?
Or am I reading too much?
It's getting late: time for bed
Andrew.

Knowing Leonard as I [don't ], [but] you're not reading too much [into it] at all. You know 'how he is" ~ I'd say more was formulating in his mind than a few of its aspects.

Yes, once again Andrew you are right!

Moreover, Leonard looks just like Nero!

What can it all mean.

Dear Midnight,
You write "what can it all mean".
I haven't a clue.
And yes, your reference to Nero accords with mine.
You also wrote "Andrew you are right". Now that's a warming sentiment, but I am more intrigued by your preface "once again".
Midnight, please remind me of the last time I was right. .
Andrew.

As a greeting to those going to NY perhaps he wants us to

"Dance [him] to [our] beauty with a burning violin"?

Dear Insanitor,
Maybe he's just trying to keep us on our toes with yet another ("off balance") oblique set of lines.
I'd welcome that prospect when I approach 70 !!!
Andrew.