I was deeply moved by the passing of Leonard Cohen. The poetry of his lyrics are markers of my life. This is not the poem I intended to write. Perhaps this week I will be able to compose the poem I wish to submit. Think of this as a place holder. But I just felt like I had to “say” something.
in peace above
he taught us hallelujah
he understood
that love was good
but never easy
within his words
where flights of birds
others loved his songs
and played them on
within his hallelujah
the poetry, it never stopped
each hour held another crop
his voice was smoke and whiskey deep
like a blind man, into songs he’d creep
just like another hallelujah
I never met, nor saw the man
never grasped him by the hand
to tell him how his words so moved me
all the tears he made me cry did free
so now I say good-by to you
and wonder what I’ll do
every time I hear your Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
For Mindlovemisery’s Menagerie, B&P’s Shadorma & Beyond: Leonard Cohen, Hallelujah. (image: Paul Lovering)
kd lang performing Hallelujah at the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Olympic Games – still makes me cry to hear her sing this.
© my frilly freudian slip
November 20, 2016 at 6:47 pm
Very nice tribute!
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November 20, 2016 at 10:40 pm
Thank you — he and his poetry/lyrics meant a lot to me.
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November 17, 2016 at 8:25 am
I understand K.D. Spends half her year living in Melbourne. Or she did once upon a time!
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November 17, 2016 at 8:43 am
We colonials stick together!
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November 16, 2016 at 1:40 pm
And we lost Mose Allison too. It’s been a bad series of weeks.
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November 17, 2016 at 8:45 am
Yes, so many are “of an age” that it seems each week brings it’s sorrows.
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November 16, 2016 at 12:53 pm
Reblogged this on chosenperspectives and commented:
To all his fans…
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November 15, 2016 at 11:46 am
Holy Crap. Oh wait, can I say that on a Blog comment?
I was so moved by this, your poem, and this version of one of my all-time favorite songs! I can’t stop crying here.
By the way, I have to read your blog a little at a time because this is often how I am affected by your, uh, “fey-ness”.
Thanks!
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November 16, 2016 at 1:37 am
I think holy crap is okay — if it’s said in a positive context — it’s my feyness — your defense should you need one.
Your photographs are gorgeous! I must admit I take them in a little bit at a time.
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November 13, 2016 at 2:10 pm
A very personal and touching tribute
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November 13, 2016 at 3:09 pm
Thank you. Leonard Cohen’s poetry defined moments in my life.
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November 13, 2016 at 12:19 am
Beautiful take!
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November 13, 2016 at 12:39 am
Thank you — I have another idea in mind I’ll just have to see if it takes further shape too. I spent a whole morning listening to kd lang’s various versions of Hallelujah and Jennifer Warnes’ album, Famous Blue Raincoat.
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November 13, 2016 at 11:54 am
Oh nice. There are are so many versions. I love the one by Kat Voegle, it’s my favourite I think. And the Canadian Tenors sing an awesome version, but it’s more choral style. Best of luck on your Shadorma :)
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