A Poem for Mandolin Mick (Michael Byrne)
I never before had reason to say
That you are a star
In the constellation of my life
And without you
This vast wasteland
Will be a much darker place.
Fight for your life
Fight for the ground you stand on
Fight for the air you breathe
As though the lives
of everyone and everything
You ever loved
and ever loved you
In the sweetest moment of loving
The gentle perfection of that moment
Suspended, twinkling in time
Depended on it.
Depended on your survival
Depended on your very existence
Depended on you
Depending on me
Depending on you.
That is, my friend:
I never before had reason to say
That I love you so, don’t go.
Fight, fight for your life
And if it is too late
Then find your feet
Hold your ground
Cradle your heart
Gently beneath your crown
Take a deep breath
Nourish your bones
And sink your war-worn body into the warmth
Of all the memories
The mad mixing mass
The vibrant frequency of all
the experiences you created
the people you touched
the music you channeled
the life you led.
And know that even after death
The light of a star shines on
Shines on, shine on
In the hearts of those you loved
Hated
and irritated.
