FIRST GLANCE

On this day, January 03, 1998.  One of the most important people in my life died in a tragic accident. During a moment of levity, this person fell over 200 meters from a bridge to his death. He was 48 years old. 

We met in July 1983.  Neither of us knew it at the time what a profound affect we were to have in each other's lives - that in itself is another story for another time.  

Have you ever seen paintings that were inspired by someone the artist knew?  Usually in abstract form.  The inspiration comes out in a way that only the artist himself can really understand it. Yet somehow, even though the rest of us don't understand it we still seem to see the beauty that was intended.  It's how the following poem was formed.  He inspired me to write it...one year before he died. 

I'd like to add that 3 hours after his death we were hit with the great ice storm of 1998 .  It had shut down the whole east coast of Canada.  The storm had covered everything in it's path under a layer of thick heavy ice.  It was as though time had stopped - as if life had stopped and Mother Nature herself had fallen into mourning.  Either sides of all the highways are lined with hundreds of miles of forrest and as far as the eye could see the top of every single tree and every single branch stood bent over, their tops touching the gound, as though they were bowing, weighed down under the weight of the ice.  Nature literally frozen in time.   It all seemed strangely fitting somehow.

One thing it didn't stop was his funeral, nor the 1000+ people that showed up to say good-bye.  Some as far away as the other side of the country.  They risked their lives travelling over icy road conditions and downed power lines and trees.  At the church there was standing room only and the hall was full as well.  They even piped the sound of the service outside the building so the people that couldn't be fit inside could stand outside and hear it.  The crowd of over another 100+ people of all ages stood out in the cold, surrounded by a world of ice, to spend one last moment with this man they all loved.

I was asked to sing at his service.  I did as it was the last earthly thing that I could do for him.  It was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do in my life.  

He was an exceptional human being - and I don't say that lightly.  Anyone lucky enough to have known him was blessed.  Somehow we all knew that.   Our lives have never been the same since - and never will be. 

For you Tiny - Forever Loved,  Forever Missed.

FIRST GLANCE

Your eyes met mine at first we met
Your hand upon my back.

 

Your skin had roughened to the sun
its kiss upon your breath.

The sea had spun its way with you
the waves ride in your eyes.

The blue fills up the swell of you
a friend along your side.

The shock that's graced upon your head
your strength it anchors naught.

For men who've stood before ye
no greater battle fought.

Your speak dives deep to part the sea
No haven on the brine.

Lo stand do I and breathe before ye
At first your eyes met mine. 

Until the next high tide............

Natalie