posted by kiku on Sep 14
“Der Punk-Dichter ist tot”
I saw that headline and a picture of Jim underneath a few minutes ago on Focus’ news page and felt my insides just kind of drop. I think the fact that I didn’t see it here in his own country first was a quick and easy way to divert my sadness into anger – typical that someone like him would be ignored while so many of the vapid and shallow are blown up into media events. But the fact is that I am really and terribly saddened and shaken by his death. His words have brought me so much comfort and joy and have healed so much in me over the years, and I guess I idolized him in a way – something I’m not prone to do with anyone. I always wanted to be able to see him at a live reading and hear those beautiful words and phrases expressed in what I sometimes think must have been the archetypal junkie-voice telling us all that to live is what matters, despite whatever one may have gone through – that the self can endure. Dig?
So I’m going to be very sad for a while. Funny thing – in one of those bizarre synchronicities that occur, I had just gotten out “Catholic Boy” this past weekend to listen to after having the music pop into my head. I’ll be taking out more recordings and books tonight and reading/listening to his wonderful words and remembering him. Farewell, Poet.
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