Friday 11 November 2016

Leonard Cohen - R.I.P.

R.I.P. Leonard Cohen
The Sisters of Mercy


 
LEONARD COHEN - Take This Longing
It was a great shock for me this morning to wake up to the news that Leonard Cohen had passed away. I have been a great fan ever since I heard The Sisters of Mercy in the sixties. It made the same impression on me as did the hearing of Dylan for the first time. His first few albums were nothing short of brilliant and he became a 'Beautiful Obsession' to these old ears.  He was truly one of the real greats. He had just released a new album a few months ago too. Here is my personal tribute to Mr Cohen, it is a poem I did for a post a few years back. It is a true story.

I have chosen my personal favorite track to accompany this. As you will see LC. means a lot to me .

THE BLACK TRENCH COAT

This is pretty much a true story, well the first verse is. In fact I only added the next 2 verses as an afterthought. If you have ever been crossed in love you will know exactly how I felt. Pass me that bottle of Scotch please. A Special thanks to Leonard Cohen, for helping me get through that first day. In fact Mr Cohen has helped me get through many other days. Top Man.

THE BLACK TRENCH COAT

She wanted to spread her wings
(her thighs)
it was January, it was winter, it was cold
I was alone in my dungeon
the single bar heater gave little warmth
Songs of Love and Hate  arrived today
it was on repeat
a bottle was on the table
two fingers of comfort were left
the words  'Jane came by with a lock of your hair'
stung, they stung in my grieving ears
the cigarette smoke froze in the cold
the bottle stood empty
the room slowed down

I needed a drink
I slipped on my 'famous' Black Trench coat
I headed for the door, the night, the biting rain
searching for a bar, searching for anywhere
wanting her

She wanted to have her freedom
(sleep with men)
the bar was warm it was bright
I stood alone at the bar
I asked for a beer and a whiskey to chase
the juke box was busy and playing loud
it was country tunes
my empty glasses
needed a quick refresh
the words  ‘I won’t come in while he’s there
stung, they stung in my grieving ears
the light mixed with the smoke
people had no faces
voices were a drone

I needed a drink
I slipped on my 'famous' Black Trench coat
I headed for the door, the night, the biting rain
searching for a bar, searching for anywhere
wanting her

She wanted to move on
(be with him)
I entered to the sounds of life
bright lights and pounding noise
I ordered a cocktail
a Manhattan and a beer assist
White Russian, a High Ball helper
it was disco music
my empty glasses
they cried out for more
the words  ‘I give you all a boy could give
ripped, they ripped through my grieving ears
flashing lights screamed
puppets were dancing
where was oblivion?

I needed a drink
I slipped on my 'famous' Black Trench coat
I headed for the door, the night, the biting rain
searching for a bar, searching for anywhere
wanting her

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Leonard Cohen - R.I.P.
4/ 5
Oleh