Poetry: “Haibun & Haiga Tribute To John Denver” by Neal & Elaine Whitman
HAIBUN & HAIGA TRIBUTE TO:
JOHN DENVER
By
Neal & Elaine Whitman
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?”
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.
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.
memorial plaque
encrusted with salt crystals —
who remembers?