this is the last poem in my book
it is dedicated to a great friend and extraordinary piano player named Beate Perrey
it is one of the first pieces i ever wrote, but i didn’t know it was a poem. when i read it to her she said, “jon, this is beautiful…you are poet.”
i remember thinking…really??!! no, one has ever said that to me. is that possible??
Beate, here i am almost two years later and you were right…i am a poet! thank you so much…for seeing me…before i could.
i see you
i think these are three of
the most powerful words
for me it means
i connect to
both your pain and joy
when you are sad
i am sad
when you are happy
i am happy
even in disagreement
i am for you and your best
that i feel you
and will act as if
we are each other
i will stand with you
when you are taking risks
i have room for you
to try new things
and make mistakes
i will look you in the eye
when you are capable of more
because to see is
to truly honor someone’s soul
to honor their full humanity
