A Haiku for Steven

For me your being was

The never ending search for justice,

The presence of peace.

Gerald M (Jerry) Tuckman

August 13, 2022

A Hymn to Steven

Mane of curly hair

Whiter by the year

Arms cradling a guitar

(When not cradling a grandchild).

You always listened well

To the voices of children

And those too young or old

Or poor or hurt

To feel their own power.

You shared your power,

Tried to give it away

But it always returned

More than it was.

Ever-present MLK button

On your shirt or jacket.

“Would you like it?

I have more.”

We all have many acquaintances,

Some friends,

A few so very close

A very few genuine heroes.

How many of those heroes

Are dear friends as well?

Eyes, born old,

Gently closed

As the song builds

From a sigh

To a hum

To a hymn.

You have made me better

Through your presence

And your being.

You have taught me

About commitment

And sacrifice,

Acceptance

And fighting,

Yes fighting,

For justice . . .

In all it’s forms.

Seeking, striving

Walking a lonely path,

Yet never alone,

Never without Linda

And your children

And those closest to them

And to you,

Picking up companions

And colleagues

Along the way:

A commitment,

A journey,

Become a community.

I have been warmed

By your presence

And lit by your glow.

I am glad to have walked

A ways with you

And shared

In some of your community.

I will hold you

In my heart

As will all who knew you.

Dear friend,

Dear Steven,

Eyes, born old,

Gently closed

As the song builds

From a sigh

To a hum

To a hymn.

Gerald M (Jerry) Tuckman - February 2014