THOM THE WORLD POET: The Daily Poem

Rob Ayling writes: 

"Thom the World poet is an old mate of mine from way back in my history. Even pre-dating Voiceprint, when I was running "Otter Songs" and Tom's poetry tapes and guest appearances with Daevid Allen, Gilli Smyth, Mother Gong are well known and highly regarded. It just felt right to include a daily poem from Thom on our Gonzo blog and when I approached him to do so, he replied with in seconds!!! Thom is a great talent and just wants to spread poetry, light and positive energy across the globe. If we at Gonzo can help him do that - why not? why not indeed!!" (The wondrous poetpic is by Jack McCabe, who I hope forgives me for scribbling all over it with Photoshop)

WHEN MY FATHER DIED/
HE WILLED HIS BODY TO THE UNIVERSITY

to honor his memory, my sister imported me

to a Gratitude Ceremony, where doctors explained

the necessity of recycling bodies for medical research

They were clear, loving, intelligent, concise

They listed those diseases still seeking cure

They touted stem cell research - but most of all

they expressed gratitude to the families of those

who had assented to this disposition of their loved ones

Names of the donors were flashed on a Powerpoint presentation

It was a tearful farewell. What we remember is never all there is-

father a rock (removed from our soil)/mother a fire still burning

We are elemental in this-absence makes presence a blessing.