Comment from AnnaLinda

Excellent

Kimbob,

I think Alvin would approve of your little haiku (attempt) LOL
Just kidding! This is a very thoughtful piece you have written
in Alvin's memory. Sorry to bring an Lol into -

What can one say? Your tiny poem says it all and it states it well.
Straight from the heart this is.

AnnaLinda

 Comment Written 25-Apr-2021

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reply by the author on 25-Apr-2021

Hi Anna,
Did you know Alvin? I called him the Haiku Police. He was the reason I gave up on the form. Too many rules for a man with a pointed head. But it was a shame to hear of his demise. In ten years, I have become good friends with quite a few Fanstory members... judiverse, Mastery, Sally Law, Lisa May, and you... Anna! Gems in my life! You can never have too many friends.
I'm sure you know this song by James Taylor. I used to sing it when I worked in the Carbonating Department, all by myself, on the midnight shift. I changed the words, as you'll see, and it helped get me through some mighty dark nights when it felt like I was the only person awake in the whole city. So much to do! And very technical stuff, too. At times I had beer pumping from two different places going to two other different places. Thousands and thousands of gallons of beer. Ours was the final process before bottling. So the clarity, temperature, and CO2 readings had to be perfect. And most nights, I only had 4 hours of sleep. I could never sleep good during daylight hours. I still can't. They were tough years.
https://youtu.be/3WJ1cf3nrLE

"When you're down and troubled, and you need a helping hand,
And nothing, whoa, nothing is going right,
Close your eyes and think of Him, and soon He will be there
To brighten up even your darkest nights.

You just call out His name, and you know wherever you are,
He'll come runnin', to see you again.
Winter, spring, summer, or fall
All you got to do is call, and He'll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah...
You've got a friend.

If the sky above you should turn dark and full of clouds,
And that old north wind should begin to blow,
Keep your head together, and call His name out low.
Soon He'll be knockin' upon your door.

You just call out His name, and you know wherever you are,
He'll come runnin', to see you again.
Winter, spring, summer, or fall, yeah
All you got to do is call and He'll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah

Hey, ain't it good to know that you've got a friend?
People can be so cold.
They'll hurt you, and desert you.
Well, they'll take your soul if you let them.
Oh yeah, but don't you know right now...

You just call out His name, and you know where ever you are
He'll come runnin' to see you again.
Oh baby, don't you know about...
Winter, spring, summer, or fall
Hey now, all you've got to do is call, "Lord", and He'll be there, yes He will.
You've got a friend. You've got a friend, yeah
Ain't it good to know that you've got a friend
Ain't it good to know you've got a friend
Oh, yeah, yeah, you've got a friend."

Thanks for your kind review, Anna! And the gift of stars. You're a peach!
Hugs,
Kimbob

reply by AnnaLinda on 25-Apr-2021

Thank you for reminding me of that song. Yes, I really like James Taylor. We all need friends. You are one of me few.

I wrote a poem for Willy...with his Handy Man song.

Yes, I knew Alvin. Between him and Helena (eternal muse) who has me muted...they encouraged me to send my haiku to the World Haiku site and I one several monthly contests.

Alvin said I should learn Greek or was Hebrew.

I heard of how he died and it is so saddening.

He was straightforward with his reviews. That's how we learn.

Hey, Kimbob...You are so welcome.

Cheers to Alvin.

Comment from mumsyone

Excellent

saying goodbye
brings dear ones closer
than ever

Hi Kimbob,

Thanks for contributing a poem to Alvin's Guest Book. I'm putting them all into a book that Sue (sgalletti) will be taking to his memorial service.

Lois

 Comment Written 11-Mar-2014

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reply by the author on 12-Mar-2014

That's so nice, Lois. I'm glad to hear it. Alvin was a great guy, and a marvellous poet.
(hugs)
Kimbob

Comment from the blue pixel

Excellent

I loved this poem so much Kimbob. I am often astounded at how much can be said in so few words and every so often now, as right now, a poet really blows me away with such astounding truth that it can't be denied. A much more beautiful and memorable way to say that when we say good-bye to someone we love, we appreciate them all the more. xx Carol

 Comment Written 08-Mar-2014

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reply by the author on 08-Mar-2014

Thanks so much, Carol. I really appreciate your wonderful response to this wee poem, and the gift of stars.
(hugs)
Kimbob

reply by the blue pixel on 08-Mar-2014

Sometimes less is truly, more and this was the case for me with your poem. xx Carol

Comment from Jean Lutz

Excellent

Your words and selected artwork remind me of an old, old hymn "Beyond the Sunset". I took four classes in Biblical poetry from Alvin. He loved the Word so much.

 Comment Written 08-Mar-2014

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reply by the author on 08-Mar-2014

Thank you so much, Jean. I'm so glad to hear that. Alvin was a true Christian for sure.
I really appreciate your kind remarks, and the gift of stars.
blessings
Kimbob

reply by Jean Lutz on 08-Mar-2014

I think what I owe most to Alvin was showing me that our time is now. Many in the church are looking back to other times when pews were filled. Others are looking ahead to the returning of our Lord. Yet Alvin did so much to fight injustice and poverty. It sure inspired me to try to make the best of the time that is at hand.

reply by the author on 08-Mar-2014

I agree, Jean. Each one of us can make a difference in this world until the Lord comes again. I have a friend that is so caught up with the "end times" and the book of Revelations. There is so much more to the Bible than the last book.
I have another friend who wakes up every morning asking God how she might serve Him that very day. Isn't that exciting? With so many people, it's Me...Me...Me. But like Scrooge learned, and Alvin lived, we need to be looking after our fellow man.
Have a wonderful day, my dear!
(hugs)
Kimbob

Comment from Just2Write

Excellent

Alvin was so influential here on FS. He wrote with passion and he reviewed the same way. Sometimes fervent, but never cruel, he lead many of us to be better writers.

saying goodbye
brings dear ones closer
than ever

Good beginning with a solid concrete image on the first two lines, however, the final line should be able to stand alone and serve as a commentary on the first two lines
The final line (Satori) is often the strongest statement of the poem and reveals much of what the poet is thinking - that is why it is often called the Aha! line.

Just a suggestion and humble offering of what I mean:

saying goodbye
brings dear ones closer
lasting embrace

 Comment Written 07-Mar-2014

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reply by the author on 08-Mar-2014

Thanks so much, Just2Write. I really appreciate your kind review, but actually this poem was not meant to be a haiku poem... just my thoughts for Alvin. I gave up on haiku a long time ago...too many rules for this writer.
blessings
Kimbob

Comment from Patrick G Cox

Excellent

Hi Kimbob,

I suspect we were all taken by surprise by Alvin's sudden departure from this life. I'm sure he would not be critical of your tribute haiku.

Patrick

 Comment Written 07-Mar-2014

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reply by the author on 08-Mar-2014

Thanks so much, Patrick. Actually, I didn't write this to be a haiku. I never could write one of those poems. When he reads it, he'll know right away who wrote it.
I appreciate your kind remarks, and the gift of stars.
blessings
Kimbob

Comment from Maureen's Pen

Excellent

Dear Kimbob, a lovely expressive post as we say farewell to one who shared his heart will all. Wonderful and graceful tribute.
Thank for sharing it.
Maureen

 Comment Written 07-Mar-2014

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reply by the author on 08-Mar-2014

Thanks, Maureen. What a shocker, eh? We become close to our fellow writers, and feel the loss just as if it was family. Alvin will be missed.
I appreciate your kind response, and the gift of stars.
blessings
Kimbob

Comment from sweetwoodjax

Excellent

this is very well written, father flaps, you did an excellent job writing this haiku poem about the way we should appreciate those who are left with us that often only death will point out to us.

 Comment Written 07-Mar-2014

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reply by the author on 08-Mar-2014

Thanks so much, Pam. I appreciate your kind remarks, and the stars. With death, often there is little chance to say goodbye. These poems will have to do. We have that blessed hope of seeing Alvin again, face to face.
blessings
Kimbob

Comment from juliaSjames

Excellent

Gorgeous artwork is a fitting complement for your lovely lines, Kimbob.

How Alvin's spirit must delight in such outpourings of talented poetry.

Your senryu verse speaks truth with brevity, my friend.

I will miss Alvin. He taught me a great deal.

 Comment Written 07-Mar-2014

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reply by the author on 08-Mar-2014

Hi Julia. Yes, Alvin was a great teacher. He will be missed in our writing community. With this picture, I see his Fanstory friends and students (the trees) mingling about as he journeys towards Heaven (the sunset). I hope he likes it too.
I really appreciate your kind response to my little poem, and the gift of stars.
blessings
Kimbob

Comment from judiverse

Excellent

I never took one of Alvin's classes, but from what I've been reading he must have been very popular. A death does seem to bring the departed one's family and friends closer than ever. You make a great point in this. Lovely artwork selection and a lovely tribute. judi

 Comment Written 06-Mar-2014

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reply by the author on 08-Mar-2014

Thank you, Judy. He was one of a kind, and he'll be missed in our circle. Isn't it a great picture? I chose it for the trees (his family, students and friends) seeming to mingle as he departs for Heaven.
I appreciate your kind review, and the gift of stars.
blessings
Kimbob

reply by judiverse on 08-Mar-2014

You're so welcome, and good to hear from you. judi