William Michaelian

Poems, Notes, and Drawings

Kirk

17 Comments

I note here the death of my eldest brother, Kirk. A research scientist in the field of photoacoustic infrared spectroscopy, Kirk was overtaken mid-stride late last May by an aggressive brain tumor. They ran side by side for a while, but the tumor was an ill-mannered competitor without the capacity to appreciate Kirk’s steady, fair-minded pacifism. Like so many of us, the tumor had to win. And so, two days ago, during the quiet early morning hours of the fourth day of April, my brother drifted off peacefully in his sleep, leaving the road clear for the rest of us, especially those who know that violence and war are not the way, and can never be the way, to respond to the miraculous good fortune of being present in this world. Kirk was seventy-five. Like thousands of others, rather than fight and kill in the senseless war of his generation, he moved to Canada in 1970. It was a simple act. The aggressive tumor of U.S. politics and policy at the time considered him a fugitive. Today the tumor rages on, and is so pervasive in daily life that millions and millions of people think its presence normal.

Solid. Liquid. Gas. A note beside his chemistry set:
It works! Invisible at last!

.

[ 1425 ]

Categories: Sweet Sleep and Bare Feet

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17 replies ›

  2. wearekarma
    April 6, 2022 • 4:47 am

    This simple note and tribute strikes a chord this morning, Condolences to you and yours on the passing of your brother. May the path ahead be ever clearer.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Flick Merauld
    April 6, 2022 • 5:26 am

    So sorry about your brother: he sounds an incredible person. And i agree with the sentiments you express regarding war etc. A profound and beautiful piece of writing

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Gabrielle Segal
    April 6, 2022 • 5:52 am

    I so sorry to you. It’s a bad new in a bad world.
    About this drama, You write a beautiful poem, humanist and combative. I think nothing is lost as long as there are people like you.

    mes condoléances.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Tom Murphy
    April 6, 2022 • 9:06 am

    Deepest condolences, William.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Béatrice
    April 7, 2022 • 3:16 am

    The departure of a loved one is only an apparent separation, because in truth there is none.
    What a beautiful continuity of loving, eternally, in this reality of Love.
    Beyond here, we will find ourselves in this Love.
    My heart is with you, William.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. T Ibara Photo
    April 11, 2022 • 6:19 am

    My comment is late, but I re-read this tribute many times. Your brother must have been an extraordinary person. I am sorry for your loss, and that this world has lost a great individual. Please take care and thank you for sharing your craft with us during these trying times.

    Best wishes from Japan,
    Takami

    Liked by 1 person