Thursday, February 28, 2008

daiku


by Lauren Singer*

i am learning that you were stronger
than you ever told any of us.
that what you couldn't say with your sparing voice
you screamed with your fingers.
that you were wiser in your modesty,
in your hesitance, in your truths and muted angers.
that you touched people you never knew,
that you touched all of those you did,
and asked for nothing.

i am learning that fear is braver than acceptance,
that saying nothing in earnest is more profound than empty offerings.
that healing doesn't mean getting used to it
and that moving on does not mean letting go.

i am learning that grown men still play with toys,
and that you were no exception.
that six year old boys
would have been jealous of your action figure collections,
and that teapots and ceramic cats could mean more to me
than diamonds and new cars.

i am learning that you were more perceptive than you let on,
and that you lived inside your head;
created a masterpiece there.
that your books were your life partners,
and your camera was your mistress.
that not all pictures speak a thousand words,
but that yours could break a thousand hearts.

i am learning that you lived more than most of us will understand,
that you taught more than you could possibly have realized.
and that you spoke less than you acted.
that those who knew you as a good man,
now realize you were exceptional.

i am learning that you loved beer as much as sake,
ground beef as much as miso soup.
that you inspired us to be forthcoming and adventurous with our ideas,
and judged no one based on their inhibitions.
that you were forgiving, humble, and tactful
as much as you were intent on speaking your mind.
that you are as much a part of me
as you are a part of the great sky.

i am learning that you are never really gone
because you remain as you lived; everywhere in each of us.
that you are japan, st. marks, london, teaneck, freeport and philadelphia;
and every other place that you were moved, or moved someone else.
that winning the battle does not mean surviving,
but being survived with so much admiration.

and i am learning what you taught me:
that if you go fishing
you catch fish.

and you did, too.

*Michael’s niece

8 comments:

Mungo said...

Lovely - thanks for sharing this. A wonderful tribute.

Mungo

garrett said...

This is such a beautiful tribute to a man who obviously is worthy of it. Thank you for sharing it.

east village idiot said...

this is a phenomenal tribute. just astounding.

please consider keeping this blog on the web...at least for a little while so that those of us who knew Michael in this way can look at his photos and read his thoughts.

Jenn said...

what a wonderful poem...

Tara said...

This is beautiful. I have not been here in a while and am delighted you have kept this blog active. Thank you.

Joanne Cerchia Jones said...

So touched,words are so powerful and forever. Beautiful expressions of love and honor
I wish the Thaler family peace of heart.
I have only now, had the privlidge of reading Michael's touching blog.
I have also lost my baby brother, And my youngest son.
Peace

JT Fangio said...

Michael,

It has been eight years, today.
I miss you and think of you every day.
Stay the journey.

Your Brother,

Judd

JT Fangio said...

Michael,

Nine years today. I hope the journey goes well.
I wish we could have done more, together.
Miss you always.

Judd