David Saxner, 2/17/1948 - 11/23/2006

Pre Thanksgiving Poem 2006

(To Medea)

The sunset swirls
Like a suspended boomerang
Many of them
In fact
Skimming atop
The orange red sky
An elevated burning ocean
Cascading down hills
And bare branches
A feast for the eyes
That can satisfy
Any Thanksgiving appetite
As it reflects down
On the land and lake
And in the hearts
Of those capable
Of loving


November 22, 2006


David Saxner sent me an email at noon on Thanksgiving day about the time Medea, his daughter; Ian Denson, her husband and my oldest grandson; and Penny Grillos, Medea's mother, were boarding their plane at O'Hare for their flight to D.C. He said he had just written this poem the evening before, but he wanted to share it with Medea, even though it was a first draft. He asked if I would print it out and give it to her at dinner. Then he left his country home in Galena, Illinois, to go hiking.

I printed it out, wrapped it in a green ribbon, and gave it to her just after they poured the wine. About two hours after dinner, Medea got a phone call from the Sheriff in Galena. He told her that her father had died of a sudden heart attack while that afternoon.

As last acts go, David's was among the best, both moving and typical of his loving spirit.

May he rest in peace.

11/27/06
P.S.
The Chicago Tribune has a story about David today that is truly inspiring. What a loss for all of us.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/obituaries/chi-0611280146nov28,1,1519907.story