Passing the Torch
In memory of Alexei Navalny, 1976–2024
They say that wisdom visits us in our final days
When laughter subsides in different ways
And words escape through crevices unknown
And darkness invades where light once shown.
He prefered a dose of humor wrapped in wit
A song of praise a body fit
Once around a field of clover
And one more stroll with his wife and lover.
His was not to reason why, his was but to do or die.
That’s what they say, no wisdom in that.
He reached for the stars and kicked the pail
Paid his dues got locked in jail.
Which leaves us to wonder was it worth the while
Did he leave a mark make someone smile?
What was the point of a journey taken
In days of glory in hours forsaken?
One hundred billion souls have passed this way
More will come none will stay.
The world’s the same he did not change it
But he knew how to rearrange it.
He set a sail and followed his star
Found troubles near and successes far
Above the fray and beyond the porch
No more to give, he passed us the torch.
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Rebecca
Martyrs sometimes change the world. Your tribute suggests that Alexei Navalny didn't change anything. It was one more nail on Putin's coffin. The Russian people are getting fed up. But do they have the courage of Nava\ly?
Your last stanza is perfect and really sums up his life beautifully.
Ron