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When Leonard Dies

I have a blue Jew’s harp
in a clear plastic clip-box.
When he dies, assuming he will,
I’ll find it and try to remember
some poor hymn to push through.
That metal reed in my hand
will have all the soul and depth
of a housefly
banging against the ceiling.






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I always feel like I'm taking a chance when I post something like this.

When he dies I just might remember this little poem you wrote. I will imagine you opening that little clear case and I will wonder about your sadness. I will think about a little fly banging against a ceiling and I will wonder about what does it really mean to have soul and depth. I might listen to see if I can hear your tune in the air.

Maybe I am wrong, maybe in two days I will have forgotton about the small joy I received while reading your poem but I also know that sometimes little joys have a way of lasting a very long time. I just don't know.

Manna wrote:
>When he dies . . . I’ll find it and try to remember some poor hymn


He's not going anywhere for a long time yet. Don't take too much for granted, you might even beat him to it.

Geoffrey wrote:He's not going anywhere for a long time yet.

I hope you're right.

Geoffrey wrote:Don't take too much for granted, you might even beat him to it.

I hope you're wrong.



Thanks, Lazariuk. That's a very kind review, and it sounds like you were touched, even if only for a moment.

Dross

Hi Manna

This works for me and contains some of the wit and unusual ideas and imager of a type typical of the master itself, so it serves as a nice tribute to the man alive or dead. I would cut "assuming he will" -- you don't need it.

Chris

Thanks to everyone who's read this, and especially those of you who've commented.

Christopher -
I've gotten a mixed response regarding that very line. (assuming he will) I'm still trying to justify it to myself, so I'm feeling a bit defensive. I'm not yet brave enough to take it out. It has the potential for a few meanings that I hope are compassionate, but it has something that doesn't quite feel right to me as well (sometimes everything gives me that feeling). Maybe it would help me if you could analyze what you think it says and tell me why you think it should be removed.

I mean, of course he's going to die - we all are. Do I need to say that? But fame tends to decrease in one's mortality. And I don't want anyone to die, which I wanted to make clear.

Hi Manna

The words "assuming he will" just feel like a prevarication and are unnecessary, detracting from the piece.

Chris