I wrote this in October of 2005. The Lorca poem, La despedida, “The Leave-taking,” is a much better poem than this one of mine that it inspired, so if you have the opportunity to read it today, I would suggest it over this one. Since this one is in your face, however, it might do something good for you too. Warm thoughts for all the beautiful people.
Thoughts Inspired by Lorca
If I die,
bury me along the slope
of a West Virginia knoll,
my head toward the moon,
my feet toward the river.
If I die,
send me off with
a James Taylor tune,
something unexpected like
“Riding on a Railroad” or
“Only a Dream in Rio.”
If I die,
read some poems from
those master men who
soothed my soul,
shaped my craft, and fed
my love for home.
Read of Hayden’s battle with
the crystal and the spoon and
note that I too fought
battles of habit, health, and sanity,
as do we all, and I experienced
some measure of success.
Read of Borges’s love for Buenos Aires and
Sandburg’s love for Chicago.
Read anything by Eliot and
mark the point where
the poetic totem turned.
Read some Lorca,
Despedida, the “Leave-Taking,” if nothing else,
so folks will know
the idea I had to steal to create these words.
If I die,
cover the walls of the parlor with
Monets and Pollacks, and
drink in the studies of light and color,
of order and chaos.
If I die,
raise a glass to friendship and
bid me well on
the next leg of the journey,
being pleased that I’ve reached a point
when I won’t have to wrestle with
whether or not to raise a glass as well.
If I die,
smile, laugh, and
be pleased that I’ve finally been allowed
to lay down the clay;
that I’ve become one with
the wave and the ray,
the song, the poem, the painting;
that I’ve given up all need of
the freedom of knowledge and
escaped the prison of doubt;
that I’ve been allowed to say
goodbye to Adam and
hello to atom.
(Remember, it only takes a second to share it.)
Amazingly beautiful.
Thank you, my love. I’ve gotta tell you, my site has more of a highbrow feel for me knowing that a lady as classy as you is visiting. Prayers from us. Kisses to the Captain.