Clive James, Farewell.
Mourning the loss of a literary talent
What can one say about this man
who was a writer whose intellect
was so splendid that he was held
by many in the greatest respect.
He was a poet, a song lyricist,
a novelist and a broadcaster.
He had a wry and deadpan humour
in which he was a supreme master.
Those who enjoyed his vast output
can only rue his inevitable demise.
“near to death but thankful for life”
he said, explaining it was no surprise.
He’d been diagnosed with leukaemia
as far back as two-thousand and ten
but kept working for nearly ten years
until finally had to hang up his pen.
For a long time I followed his career
and of his poetry I was a late convert.
I liked “Jet Lag in Tokyo” but I prefer
“Where the Sea Meets the Desert”.
© Luigi Pagano 2019
© ionicus 2023
Views: 818
I remember him well. I will remember him mostly for his dry wit. Maybe I didn’t see the magnificence of his soul – my loss. Too many passing this week, they are clearly exponential with passing time. Thank you Luigi for reminding me. I hope all goes well in your journey.
Hello Allen, nice to hear from you after a long time. How are you keeping?
It looks as if old members are popping in to see how things are progressing on the old ship. Still afloat after a few turbulent waters but hopefully riding on the crest of the wave now. Looking forward to reading your work once again.
Best, Luigi