Monday, December 11, 2006

Instant Karma

I didn't know his true importance until he died, but I knew he was a genius about to enter his second renaissance. I knew his favorite color was "the absence of color" as he once said, meaning he loved all color - since color is simply the reworking of light.

He wasn't my favorite of the four, in fact I thought him rather "unpretty" at first. All the others had a cuteness about them any 13 year old in 1963 would spot and react to, and I did. Tennis racket in hand, I played that 'guitar' and sang "Love, Love Me Do" until the needle broke. We only had 45s and LPs then, and if I had just one of that collection I came to own, nothing could part me from it.

There was a time during the 1970s he confused and maddened me. I wasn't on his level but didn't know that was the reason, even while studying for my future career which allowed me no second of relaxation. I listened to his words, the music he formed, and in frustration would wonder "Why did he say that?" One little thow-off remark and a completely loving world suddenly wanted to crucify him (pun intended). Years later when I had a brain, I realized it was a toss-off thing one says a billion times in ones' life, but he was no ordinary man allowed to make toss-off remarks at his leisure. No, the man who only wanted a little peace started a small war.

There was talk everywhere, even of deportation, so this man of no small street-smarts got out of Dodge.

He left his buddies, his hearth and home, and tried to find meaning and solace in another way of life. But he couldn't make music and it changed him - it pained him. Eventually he returned to the only love he could trust and wrote some of the world's most beautiful songs - love songs, ballads that plead for understanding and acceptance, melodies that forced the listener to really listen this time, here was someone who really experienced a life-change. We knew exactly what he meant. And we were the wealthier for it.

It was 8 a.m. on 12/9/80 when, driving to work, my car radio spat out the incredible news. Later, the newspapers duly gave us pictures of the moment in time the night before when on 12/8/80 we lost a soul far ahead of most souls on this plane. Five obsence bullets ripped the night. His last words: "I've been shot!" A brief look of naked human surprise, then coma. There was nothing heroic about his death. He never regained a second of life.

John Lennon had so much more to do. It hurts to think about the music, the words, books, the voice he gave to the voiceless - all left undone. John was one step from an apex in a career so full of the love of life, of peace, of innocence. Anyone who heard "Double Fantasy" knows the utter frustration and aching tears felt in the knowledge that we'll never have a genius of his kind again.

I could never do John Lennon homage to my satisfaction. So I'll put these words away for now, dust off an old album or two, and just listen. And remember. And IMAGINE .....

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I loved John. Always have.  Still can't believe he and George are both dead. Though I thought he died on 12/8 (the day after Pearl Harbor). I may be wrong. My memory isn't what it used to be.  Doesn't matter.  He's gone and he left a big hole in the Universe when he got ripped off the Earth.
Hugs, Barb  

Anonymous said...

Great entry

Anonymous said...

What a great entry.  I was so shocked at his death. I was barely 21yrs old.  All of my friends remember where we were when we heard of it.  Funny, huh?  
My friend Joey and I have discussed him. We have gotten angry at the music that we missed because of his death.  I didn't know it was the anniversary today.
Pam

Anonymous said...

great entry.  have a great day
noelle

Anonymous said...

Well thought out and narrated Cathy.  I suppose it is true we do not know what we have in life until we miss it.  It all seems so long ago and yet he is still revered throughout the world as a Beatle, a man of peace, a musician and loving Dad. He made the USA his home and yet left it a better place. His frustrations will live on longer than most of us will be remembered. At one time the US rejected him for his comment that there were more popular than Christ and yet he walked about this earth Christ like. It is good to remember men like him as well as those throw off lines. Well done

Anonymous said...

You said it Cathie, a genius he was, and so little an homage it seems we are giving him... I liked "the jealous guy"..."imagine"... and other ones
Seasons greatings to you.
Valerie
http://journals.aol.co.uk/iiimagicxx/surreality/

Anonymous said...

Beautifully written! Merry Chrstmas blessings, Deb

Cathy said...

Yes queenb, just as I say in the entry, it was 12/8.