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!
.
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Categories: Sweet Sleep and Bare Feet
Tags: Canada, Cancer, Death, Departures, Family History, Good Fortune, Gratitude, Kirk, Love, Memory, Pacifism, Peace, Politics, Running, Sleep, Spectroscopy, Violence, War
William Michaelian 
💙
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~ thank you ~
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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.
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Yes . . . and thanks very much for your kind words. They are deeply appreciated.
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Always.
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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
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Thanks, Flick, for your beautiful note.
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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.
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Thanks very, very much. Every breath is an opportunity to live peacefully, and thereby bring peace to the world.
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Deepest condolences, William.
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Many thanks, Tom.
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Beautiful.
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Thank you, Jonathan.
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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.
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Thank you, Béatrice. You speak truthfully and beautifully. And through it all, love is why I rejoice.
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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
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Thank you, Takami. There’s no such thing as “late” where love and kindness are concerned. Your thoughtful words are deeply appreciated.
Gratefully yours,
William
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