Didn’t know you personally
but there again
maybe I did
the way the world turns now
catching you whenever I could
on CNN
and as in any acquaintance
evolving into friendship
the details of your life began to emerge
Background…family life…history
a hardworking middle-class guy
with a talent for preparing food
and story telling
suddenly thrust into the limelight
though if it stressed you in a bad way
you never let it show
always rolling along
to wherever the ether took you
Geographically worlds apart
but together
not that different in philosophy and age
quick to spark up a joint
where legal
match anyone in their drinking
if not under the table
while discussing the culture and diet
of whatever country you were visiting
at least that’s what the camera showed
and though you did and didn’t know me
like most of the world
always following vicariously
And now you’ve chosen to truly travel
to parts unknown (pun intended)
a journey I’m not prepared to follow
at this point in my life
even vicariously
but as you might say
who knows what the future will bring
Chris, thank you for this reflection and tribute to Tony. It is your open soul that enables you to connect with so many. I guess in that way, you and Tony were indeed alike. Both a blessing to us who know you but don't know you. Both beautiful examples of what it means to be human.
