I intend to use some of his poems, reading to kids this year for National Poetry Day.
But, I hadn't realised he has died; and I just want to stop for a minute, and pay a tribute to him.
I cannot imagine a life like his, like his family's. Only, I know that his life, and his poetry, have touched me deeply.
My grandson died this year, two days old. My friend died last week, at seventy-four. I don't pretend to understand death, or suffering. I am just glad of life.
Thank you, Mattie.
[myhero.com]



Stephen

Stephen-

Sorry about both of your losses.
I read some of Mattie's poems. I was skeptical. "No 10 yr. old kid wrote THIS". I was sure he had some poet wannabe ghost-writing his stuff.
Then I heard an interview with him. Now I get it. He was eleven going on fifty. "Old souled".

Maybe you could post some of his stuff? Or is copyright a problem?


Jack

I am sorry to hear about your grandson,
I never know what to say to confort someone
- I keep posting Dirge without music, for it says all I feel

What impressed me the most was his to spirit to live and to sample all that life had to offer. And he did this in the face of a devastating disease. Who knew that courage and heart came in such a small package.

john

A very moving story, Stephen. Thank you for sharing this with us.

Les

The world will not be the same without Mattie in it...he was angel on earth and his poetry will live on forever...I actually own 3 of the 5 or 6 books he's written, he is the embodiment of living, laughing and loving.

I don't cry that Mattie died, he is out of pain. I cry for his mom.

Stephen, I am sorry to hear about the losses in your life, you are in my thoughts.



________
We are well advised to keep on nodding terms with the people we used to be, whether we find them attractive company or not. Otherwise they turn up unannounced and surprise us .... and demand to know who deserted them, who betrayed them, who is going to make amends. (Joan Didion)

When I started reading this thread, I was a sad one, but the link you gave us to read some of Mattie's poems extended this thread into a more happy place. I never heard of Mattie before and I am awestruck by how positive he was, despite his grievous condition. Thank you, Stephen, for showing me this.

Jean-Paul

PS- I read some of his poem's just now. I really enjoyed "Kindergarden-itis", "Vultures Play" and "Porcelain Haiku"



"I "Love Summer more than I hate Winter"