Elegy for Pete Seeger

 

Sometimes a song can make a difference

when it comes to politics or culture.

Pete Seeger possessed incandescence

on the stage, an aura that could conjure

people to action. Justice and conscience

were in his eyes but a Scripture

to be witnessed by a public movement.

 

His great legacy remains insurgent

in all those who treasure heartfelt music

that is simple, rhythmic, metaphoric.

For Pete, song was the transcendental spark

that could create a vital change of heart.

Although Clearwater Pete no longer plays here,

his songs will re-bloom like flowers each year.

 

—Kevin T. McEneaney