JR, JR,
Back in 1992
You and me driving in your red Honda hatchback
Blasting Smashing Pumpkins’ Gish.
You and me wide-eyed at their guitar solos
Playing those crazy drums in the air
Singing the lyrics to “Snail” at the tops of our nicotine lungs
Not knowing they were singing about us.
Flower, seize the hour, the day, away
Waiting, waiting for your way, away
When you wake up your own way
Throwing your whole life away
So young—unfurled.
We drove your hatchback all over town, the cabin filled with screeching guitars and smoke
Before that, we drove your blue Mustang convertible
Back and forth to Tucson, searching for records
Back and forth to Tucson, searching for ourselves
You and me and music, always, together.
Flower, the pain will wash away, away
When the sun shines
And climbs through your window
All those laughing parties
Ended with us sleeping on Chris’ floor.
All those groggy mornings
Turned to days jamming in your car.
What were the seven dreams Billy Corgan sang about?
Were they really closer than we believed?
“As your things come undone,” we sang
“See you are the only one.”
Us flowers, trying to seize the hours
Us flowers, chasing sunshine
Only one of us would ever live long enough to learn.
Softly siren coming home
Siren, snail
Down in my heart
Flower, it’s what you wait for
Hey flower:
Away.
Very well written tribute to your friend! Condolences for you loss. I’ve been out of pocket, hence my late comment. Blessings for you as well. Rock and roll, Aaron!
I have a long departed friend of the same kind. Just not that song. However, if you don’t mind, yours is better written than I could do, so I’d like to dedicate this as well to my long departed soul brother Gil. Thank you for the beauty of your words.