Death in Spring. Or, A Song for Reggie.

You know you've lived somewhere a long time when you've been to a funeral there. Thank goodness I didn't have to go to any "literal" funerals after September 11. But within the past couple of years, I have now been to two. The first, was an ill neighbor who I got to know as he'd sit outside our building and say hello every morning.

The second was a dear friend of a friend. A lady with an indomitable spirit, Reggie. At her memorial service this past weekend, this song was sung, among others. She was a woman who wore hats. She was vivacious and seemingly fearless.

I came home this evening to see a sign posted outside my building that a second neighbor, whom I didn't know as well, has also just died. I guess this is the way it goes. It's probably a good idea to come to terms with death. Someday. For now, thanks, Michael and Reggie and Mikel, for the energy you gave to the world. You will be missed.


There are many many crazy things
That will keep me loving you
And with your permission
May I list a few

The way you wear your hat
The way you sip your tea
The memory of all that
No they can't take that away from me

The way your smile just beams
The way you sing off key
The way you haunt my dreams
No they can't take that away from me

We may never never meet again, on that bumpy road to love
But I'll always, always keep the memory of

The way you hold your knife
The way we danced till three
The way you changed my life
No they can't take that away from me