Reading You. A tribute.

[cafeboy]

You had often misread me, but read me.
As I perhaps now misread you.
And I do read you.
You’re an old bookmark
to a favored book.
Alongside Dickinson, Oliver, Collins.
Perhaps some disagree, but this is my poem
After all
And by how many degrees are they so different?
When poetry is universal.
When I drink you all like water.
As if comprising a spring
that I’ve chose to spend
My late noons. To wade in my own reflection.
We all become
in this medium. The pen, the paper.
Like earth and tombstone.
Here lays a poet,
whose world I shared.
As Emily’s garden I visit,
Mary’s forest and Billy’s classroom.
This is AJs column. His island, daffodils and
stars.
I hope it doesn't hurt.
I hope you're saving a seat for me--
like a slot to a bookshelf, for ones who cared to
write. Who've poured themselves complete,
who've bled themselves deplete.




For my dear friend ApocalypticJay.

[dwells]

Lovely, and one from the heart CB - you touch on many universals here with a sure and knowing hand. Going back for another read since you have captured something often indescribable. Cheers! - Dan

[candlewitch]

hello,

wow! I agree with Dan...very powerful! well done!!!

always, Cat

[Chelle]

A fitting tribute to AJ, a friend to many and certainly a member who left his mark here. Is it just me or is it great to have you back? Missed you. And by the way, you've managed to transform yourself into a very talented writer somewhere along the way.
*hugs*

[Eddie strayed]

Very well done my friend. I especially enjoy the last stanza. Thank you for sharing
Eddie-

[allmirth]

cb my friend,

I have finally gotten around to reading this one It stirs quite a mix of emotions within me. There is joy amid the tears. Too moved for words.'

Most thankful you shared this.
Mirthy

[cafeboy]

This was the first draft and there are many changes I've made. When I first wrote this I just had to post it, out of a primal desire to finally post something on AJ.
I'm so happy to share it with all you amazing people who take the time to nurture. AJ always surprised me with his generous spirit when I first started writing.
As for the changes, I'll keep them to myself. Revising it from time to time, feels like an almost a personal conversation with him as I grow as a writer. There are a select few that come through your life and help shape you for the better.

[rupertpupkin]

I remember AJ and I fondly remember this wonderful tribute. So glad to see it resurface again. Great write. Well done on the spotlight