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Syndic Literary Journal

Poetry: “Haibun & Haiga Tribute To John Denver” by Neal & Elaine Whitman

POET, NEAL WHITMAN & PHOTOGRAPHER, ELAINE WHITMAN

POET, NEAL WHITMAN & PHOTOGRAPHER, ELAINE WHITMAN

HAIBUN & HAIGA TRIBUTE TO:

JOHN DENVER

By

Neal & Elaine Whitman

DenverLogWeb

 

 October 12, 1997, marks the death of popular singer and songwriter John Denver (born John Henry Deuschendorf, Jr. December 31, 1943). He died when the experimental plane he was flying solo crashed into Monterey Bay, directly off the coast of our small city of Pacific Grove, California.  Apparently, he was unable to switch fuel tanks in flight. The last words of the 53 year-old Denver were a calm query asking if he had transmitted a four-digit code clearly: “Do you have it now?”

BayWatchersWeb

eyeing the horizon

some days go swimmingly well

others not

Winter has left Pacific Grove, as have cold and grey skies. Today there is a clear blue sky.

There is sunshine on my shoulder.

GuitaristWeb

spring lyrics

reflected in the season —

hear the breeze

On September 23, 2007, over one hundred friends and fans witnessed the dedication of a memorial plaque. The copper plaque is set into a large boulder that sits along the coastal trail near the crash site. Locals informally refer to this stretch of shoreline as John Denver Beach. Exposed as it is to the elements, volunteers must work regularly to keep the plaque presentable.

DenverPlaqueWeb

memorial plaque

encrusted with salt crystals —

who remembers?

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