Monday, May 16, 2022
Dear Alice, Morgan, and family,
Dave and I are so very sorry about your, and the world's, loss of Tony. I'm afraid that over the many years of friendship as a neighbor, I took for granted the interesting relationship we had... much of it by email across the cul-de-sac; I never thought it would end. It was in these emails that he expressed his great love of nature, his exquisite sensitivity to the world around him, his enormous pride in his daughter, his captivation with his grandson (and grand-dog). He also shared with me some of his poetry. I am attaching one that I thought you might want to reread at this time. Oh, and Tony baked a damned good poundcake! For these reasons, and many more, he will surely be missed. Much love to you all,
Kerry
One of Tony's:
Down the hill near the water's edge,
Two aged Elm trees stand guard
Under the reaches of unveiling sun.
There is no wind to carry voices
Of visitors from days gone by,
Where solitude provided respite
From the grip of care, from death,
Or from the fury of love gone wrong.
There is no movement except
For the occasional wisp of morning
Fog surrendering to the warmth of
New sun, exposing stolid roots that
Lay in part on top of the ground -- massive
Reminders of eons now gone and
Anchored deep within the earth --
Deeply trenched in Spring's renewal.
How many generations have these trees
Inspired with their profound ability to speak
To the wounded spirit, or to those
In need of hope beyond the moment's dare?
When I stand beneath these trees, I am not alone.
I am comforted by the souls of those here
Before me -- as the trees in early morning -- silent.
No words; my heart acquires a knowing peace.
Soon duty and commerce will begin another day,
But I am renewed and realize that beauty will
Remain strong and faithful so long as there are
Such reminders standing guard over us;
These ancient Elms bound by time and grace--
Unassuming but magnificently inspiring our progression
In a time and place often lacking in hope and dignity.
Another day begins, and I am renewed to live it.
T----3.5.10
