Rod McKuen
“. . . I stand ready yet again
To learn a new geography
If that becomes
a necessary thing to do.
Meanwhile
there’s certain sureness
in the dark parts of the house,
for you’re still hiding there.”
Rod McKuen was the first poet that I discovered, on my own, and the author of the first book of poems, which I purchased. I was in seventh grade, and I fell widely and deeply in love with his words. Tonight, watching the 6:30 news, I learned of his passing away, today.
I suppose I have reached the age where those who influenced my life in the 70’s are coming to the end of their life; I cannot help but feel a bit sorrowful.
Strangely, it was not until I heard the news of his death, that I found he was on facebook, how incredibly odd the accessibility of this day and age.
I share with you a few of his words, which touched my teenage heart, and bid Mr. McKuen farewell.
Water Over Stones
I know that death is not so proud
that it will pass my door
leaving me to sort out for myself
departure date and schedules
for the train to Styx
or just which chariot will knock me down
with the narrow alley or the busy street
then carry me to heaven by the shortest route.
So I am ready.
I have dwelt upon the death of friends
in private
missing public funerals and memorials
(the chance to beat my breast before the crowd
And shout aloud, Ah, woe, Ah, me!)
Ah men, Ah women, Amen is what I said
But privately
when friends betrayed me with their deaths.
I will go down death’s road alone
and hope to leave behind but one memorial –
a lifeless body that did not acquaint itself
With compromise.
~ Rod McKuen~
October 3rd
If you had listened hard enough
you might have heard
what I meant to say.
Nothing.
~ Rod McKuen ~
Paris
I’ve drawn your face
on tablecloths
across the country.
Tracing your smile
with my index finger,
making your hair just so.
Till now you’re more
what I want you to be
than what you are.
I can paint your eyes
and say there is where I live
for twenty minutes and more.
I order grapefruit
and pay for ruined napkins.
And between the morning
and the evening
I draw your face
a little fainter every day.
~ Rod McKuen ~
