Denis Ahern's Poem Page
	Denis Ahern has been associated with the Sail Loft since its first year. Live renditions of his poems are a well received feature of Sail Loft evenings. Usually the subjects covered are bawdy and raucous in nature. This website feature provides a platform for some of his more sensitive works – Stop laughing, you at the back! For this sixth edition he offers one that has a special meaning to anyone who has been a friend of the Sail Loft over the years. This was written in memory of a dear friend, Barry White, sadly taken away from us three years ago. It captures the essense of Barry as he held his last party in May of 2002, a wonderful and unforgettable day, and was read out at his wake. It is without doubt one of Denis's finest. To see his previous month's poem's click below: Back
A Musician's Farewell to Barry White RIP - 22nd August 2002 We've bidden goodbye to you, Barry, Friend, father, musician and son And you've bidden us to be merry - Easier said than done. "I want no one getting heavy," That was your command When you called on us to be merry And join once wore with your band. And indeed no one was heavy That splendid Sunday in May. We can pity all who missed it, We, who shared that happy day. And since then we've done as you asked us - Although sometimes it was a strain To be light-hearted like you wanted, To show no sign of pain. But we're human with human feelings So permit us some heaviness now, Just a tear to mark your passing, That, Barry, you'll surely allow. And it won't last long, I can tell you, This heaviness you'd have us eschew You brought us together as often before And together you know what we do. But who's here to get things going? You're not here to make a start. And you were the man for the opener, To kick off with a song from the heart. I can see you now with your squeeze box Stepping up to lead the band, A fumble with the strap at your shoulder, The buttons brought ready to hand. Then the frown of concentration Before hitting the opening run, The little smile of anticipation, Knowing the sweetness to come. Head cocked just a touch to the side, Then like a hare from the trap, The music's away, raw rapid and gay! - How the memory makes the foot tap. No heaviness there, no sorrow In that memory, joyful and bold. And if there's heaviness here I can tell you, Before your ashes are cold, We'll start on the strength of your memory, Strike up tunes raucous and gay, Rip-roaring just as you'd like it, Driving all sorrow away. Music to ring through the rafters, To make the foundations dance, To bid farewell to Barry, To bid farewell - And thanks

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