I Thought You Were Great (1993)

I thought you were great as little Nikita
Talented and intense like lovers who
Knew instinct and a trick or two
Blew stereotypes apart and raved afar
River, look who you are!

I dispensed with the idea we might meet again
Shocked by the informal revelation of pain
To read of your death with tame disdain
And ponder the truth and feel insane
River, wish’d you remained!

I guessed at least we’ve met more than once
A couple of laughs and tears sampled too
What else could anyone ask of you
Who spoke softly, watch that frown
Now freed, a’last, from Earthen bounds!


2 November 1993