On the Death of Dan Blocker

(A poem)

 

By Cheaux

 

May 13, 1972 – Author’s Journal Entry:

 

I was at the studio when the news came over the wire services. I couldn’t believe it. After thirteen years as “Hoss,” coming into my living room and my heart every week, he was a member of my family. A brother, a friend, and his passing was a shock!

 

Today people went on with their lives as though nothing had happened. Didn’t they know? Why didn’t they react? Why did life keep on as it was? A man died. Shouldn’t there have been some difference? 

********** 

 

Sonny was right.

And the beat goes on.

And life goes on

          As it is

                              As it was

                                                                As it always will.

 

It matters not

That he is gone.

The world will little note nor long remember. . .

He did not know me

Nor of me

But I knew him

And of him

And loved him

                                        For what he was

                                      For who he was

                                                    For the man he was every

                                        Sunday night for thirteen years

          In my home

             On my screen

                  And in my heart.

 

And the beat goes on.

And life goes on

          As it was

                            As it is

                                                              As it always will.

 

And the wind blows in the trees

And the sun continues to shine

And the news of his passing

Did not change the world.

 

The world will little note nor long remember.

But I will remember

 

And the beat goes on.

          As it was

                              As it is

                                                             As it always will

 

And my life has been

Enriched by his existence

And saddened by his passing

For in Death – as in life –

He as bigger than most.

 

And the beat goes on.

And the memory goes on

And after a brief, inadequate pause

Life will go on.

 

*****End*****

© 1972, 2010

 

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