Monday 13 August 2012

For John


I was shocked and saddened to learn that a regular visitor to this blog and an enthusiastic correspondent took his own life last Friday. His last email only a week before had given no hint of any inner turmoil and was all about his plans for future projects. Then on Friday I received a farewell message sent to a circulation list. I was concerned and sent a message but received no answer. Only by dint of others on the list did I learn of this gentle man's depression and of his Vietnam War service at the sharp end. The consequences of that conflict reach far and are not forgotten here. John's name is not on the memorial but along with many others it probably should be. 

I hope that John now rests in peace amongst friends and comrades. He deserves that and more.


Darkness, Darkness
Be my pillow
Take my head
And let me sleep
In the coolness of your shadow
In the silence of your deep

Darkness, Darkness
Hide my yearning
For the things I cannot be
Keep my mind from constant turning
Toward the things I cannot see now
Things I cannot see now

Darkness, darkness,
Long and lonesome,
Ease the day that brings me pain.
I have felt the edge of sadness,
I have known the depth of fear.
Darkness, darkness, be my blanket,
Cover me with the endless night,
Take away the pain of knowing,
Fill the emptiness of right now,

Darkness, darkness, be my pillow,
Take my hand, and let me sleep.
In the coolness of your shadow,
In the silence of your deep.
Darkness, darkness, be my blanket,
Cover me with the endless night,
Take away the pain of knowing
Fill the emptiness of right now,

Image credit: web

5 comments:

Milo Burgh said...

I am sorry to read abbout this. My sympathy to you and his family.

noel said...

Hello Nick; A very sad and tragic circumstance. Please accept my sympathy. Sincerely, noel

ReneDK said...

Although I've never known him, I always find this kind of news very sad. I know what if feels like to live with the - Black Dog - but to take ones own life because of it, is not an easy choice to make. As you say he is now at peace and we should take comfort in the fact that he is no longer suffering.

Anonymous said...

I'm very sorry to hear this sad news. I hope John is in a better place. Regards, Alex

WD said...

I'm very saddened to hear of this Nick. I hope he's enjoying the company of old pards on Fiddler's Green tonight.

Warren