Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Hail and Farewell

My return to blogging is not a great occasion, for I have heard the sparrow sing.
I have, over many years, enjoyed the sweet music of Sonny Bradshaw. Now to be presented with this news is a low point and blogging seems mundane in comparision.
Sonny Bradshaw Passed Away
Rest In Peace Sonny

Ave atque Vale
Through many countries and over many seas
I have come, Brother, to these melancholy rites,
to show this final honour to the dead,
and speak (to what purpose?) to your silent ashes,
since now fate takes you, even you, from me.
Oh, Brother, ripped away from me so cruelly,
now at least take these last offerings, blessed
by the tradition of our parents, gifts to the dead.
Accept, by custom, what a brother’s tears drown,
and, for eternity, Brother, ‘Hail and Farewell’.
Gaius Valerius Catullus(84-54 BC)