BRATTLEBORO — Our friend Pete Seeger
passed on to the other side,
* * *
but he did not die,
that is not possible.
* * *
He is a force of nature,
made from the strength of love.
* * *
He is a chorus of morning
birds heralding the spring.
* * *
He is a force of life,
championing peace and
social justice.
* * *
He is a presence of love,
with his songs and sing-alongs
that made people happy.
* * *
He is a force of clarity
who saw the destruction of
his beloved Hudson River
and created a movement to
heal this mighty river.
* * *
He is a voice of justice.
In the Civil Rights museums,
Pete's picture is there, singing
and inspiring us all.
* * *
Throughout the world, many
know him as the troubadour
who sings for freedom and
human rights.
* * *
Last summer, I saw him singing
At the Clearwater Festival on
the Hudson River at sunset.
While leaning on his wooden staff,
He stood as tall and as beautiful
As the Palisades, and his voice as
Strong as the river he so loved.
* * *
Pete dying?
Hell, no!
* * *
A force of nature never dies.
It lives on in our memory and deeds.
It inspires our action and lives.
* * *
The songs of freedom and joy,
his message of peace, and his
life of dignity and grace will
always endure.
* * *
That is the force of nature,
this presence of love
known as Pete Seeger.