For John

I was shocked and saddened to learn that a regular visitor to this blog and an enthusiastic correspondent took his own life last Friday. His last email only a week before had given no hint of any inner turmoil and was all about his plans for future projects. Then on Friday I received a farewell message sent to a circulation list. I was concerned and sent a message but received no answer. Only by dint of others on the list did I learn of this gentle man's depression and of his Vietnam War service at the sharp end. The consequences of that conflict reach far and are not forgotten here. John's name is not on the memorial but along with many others it probably should be. 

I hope that John now rests in peace amongst friends and comrades. He deserves that and more.

Darkness, Darkness

Be my pillow

Take my head

And let me sleep

In the coolness of your shadow

In the silence of your deep

Darkness, Darkness

Hide my yearning

For the things I cannot be

Keep my mind from constant turning

Toward the things I cannot see now

Things I cannot see now

Darkness, darkness,

Long and lonesome,

Ease the day that brings me pain.

I have felt the edge of sadness,

I have known the depth of fear.

Darkness, darkness, be my blanket,

Cover me with the endless night,

Take away the pain of knowing,

Fill the emptiness of right now,

Darkness, darkness, be my pillow,

Take my hand, and let me sleep.

In the coolness of your shadow,

In the silence of your deep.

Darkness, darkness, be my blanket,

Cover me with the endless night,

Take away the pain of knowing

Fill the emptiness of right now,

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