FREDDIE HUBBARD

Especially portent since he was from my home town, Indianapolis. It seems it's a good time to die.

Odetta, Eartha Kitt, and Freddie.

SMILE IN THE SKY

I saw the soft moon rise
I saw it set
Venus,
its companion for the night
gave cold comfort
As astrals fly
so do lives

Headlong into the headlights
Triumphant elephants trumpet
Whimpering and withering,
stumble
We carve ourselves out of the clay

ODETTA

Odetta was an icon. Inspired generations, from the 50's to the present. Influenced me and among others;Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez,Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Springsteen, even Elvis Presley. Toured as recently as this year, and in 2006 opened for Madeleine Peyroux.
She performed at the Martin Luther King Jr. "I have a dream" March on Washington, 1963.
She was scheduled to perform at President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration.
She died on Tuesday, December 2nd at age 77.

AN OLD MAN'S DREAM

Woke up from the couch
looked out my window
Against an azure sky
a red-haired girl
moved down the walk
I opened the door
She walked in
as if she knew me
Her hair too red
nose too big

May I stay?
What is your name?
She became indignant
hurt, turned to leave
I reached out my hand
She grabbed it and held on

I'll be back in an hour.

I woke up again
same couch

Sarah!