Somehow he still feels present.
In the park nearby a fluttering
little bird, looking, hearing,
calling their familiar call,
Dennis, liked to sit here where he
could see the hawk fledglings
almost flying, what graceful beauty
a paradox of pigeons take flight
His eyes followed their every move
turning his long-lens camera, a warbler,
many warblers to know, and he did
a birder sits down on a bench
they list what birds seen and where
as light of evening eases, he stands
turns for home, pausing but wait …
Isn't that him now?
•
peter radley
Photo by Steven
Lovely poem for a lovely person. Thank you for writing it. I remember asking him about the birds he was photographing. He was so kind and took time to tell me about the birds that migrate through Tompkins Square Park that he has seen. Then he went further and walked me over to the area behind the office/bathrooms to show me where I could possibly see some warblers that he had identified earlier that day. He was a generous, smart, interesting man. Rest with the angels.
ReplyDeleteAs a resident of this community, I never met him sadly. What a sweet man. What a beautiful poem. He was beloved and cherished by many. RIP Dennis.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful poem, and how well-deserved for this wonderful man who was such a gift to our community!
ReplyDeletePS: Is there any info on how one might get a copy of his self-published book, or if it will be made available in any other way? Many are interested!
Man, I hope I am remembered so warmly by my neighbors when I go.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing that. He was lovely to be around. May he rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteRIP Sir.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I didn't know Dennis' name until now, he was always generous and patient with me in pointing out and talking about the Red Tailed Hawks in Tompkins Square Park. RIP Dennis Edge.
ReplyDelete