In Memory of My Fellow Tuesday Poet: Harvey McQueen


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In Memory of My Fellow Tuesday Poet: Harvey McQueen

Posted in Other Writers, Poetry by Helen Lowe

Jan 04 2011

meditation
in darkness
the first bird calls

by Helen Lowe

—

Although the Tuesday Poem blog is officially in recess until January 18, I would like to post this haiku in memory of my fellow Tuesday Poet, Harvey McQueen, who died on Christmas Day. Although Harvey had been ill for some time, and very recently posted:

“… my cruel malady
spurs me to confess
increasingly, I
long for oblivion”

I was nonetheless taken by surprise yesterday, when I read here of his death.

I had only known Harvey a short time through the Tuesday Poem blog but was impressed by his intelligence and generosity of spirit. It is a cliche to say someone will be sorely missed, but I know that in Harvey’s case this is the simple truth.

Harvey, I have appreciated your contribution every Tuesday—I know that I am going to miss it and you a great deal.

Comments

Wen Baragrey:

Ah, so sad 🙁

January 4, 2011 at 11:19
- Helen Lowe:
  
  Te hinganga o te Totara haemata o te waotapunui a Tane — a mighty tree has fallen in the forest of Tane.
  
  January 4, 2011 at 11:45
Bookman Beattie:

Beautifully put Helen, I share your sense of loss.

January 4, 2011 at 11:43
- Helen Lowe:
  
  Thank you, Graham. I wish I had known Harvey for a longer time; I have been very impressed by his poetry, his insight and his contribution.
  
  January 4, 2011 at 11:48