Leonard

For Leonard Cohen

Leonard

I wish I was with you in Greece

The island with roads for donkies

Some poems were composed on those, I bet

You left the land we share, of shivering geese

For a land of unbutton shirts and sweat

I wish I knew how to sing a tune

I want this to fit snug in a hum

I want this to be as sharp as a whistle

I wish I was with you in Greece

When you were in your late twenties

Writing your plans for Marianne, getting a tan, set,

Probably sitting nice with some whiskey

Inspired by everyone you’ve ever met

I wish I knew why you left

I wish I knew why you came back

I wish I loved something as completely as you

Len,

I'm trying to be cheerful

Everything you said was an earful

I need you / I don’t need you

I need you / I don’t need you

I need you I need you

Author's Note

#9 from "Poems", October 9th

Reviews

[Alessander]

Awesome tribute.

This is a fantastic poem one of the best I've read on here in quite some time.

Naturally, L love Cohen, so drew me here.

"I wish I was with you in Greece
The island with roads for donkies"

Great hook. It sorta sets everything up.

The image reminds me of a landscape painting, and for some reason, the whole poem gives me an Il Postino vibe.

Donkies so simple and natural. Which maybe could describe Cohen. Not overly convoluted.

Just a few notes but it's enough.

"When you were in your late twenties
Writing your plans for Marianne, getting a tan, set,
Probably sitting nice with some whiskey
Inspired by everyone you’ve ever met"

Yes, that would've been awesome.

Wanting to chug with idols is universal (Hemingway and Nietzsche for me, even though the latter didn't drink)

Love the ending.

The speaker trying to convince himself...then finally relenting, which I think is love.

Bravo.

[Coyote Poetry]

I was blessed. I went to Germany in 1976. The Germans loved Leonard Cohen. Me and my German girlfriend saw him live three times. He had been my muse for writing for 40 plus years. I agree with your words. A day with Leonard Cohen. I bet would be a wild and crazy day. He lived a life without fear or regret. Thank you for remembering the Poet of song.
Coyote

[Sami Khalil]

He will be missed. One of the great singer, song writer with lots of talent. An awesome tribute.