A Tribute to Mary

Peter, Paul and Mary

Have become just Peter and Paul,

For Mary has passed away and on,

To ride 'This Train' in a reserved seat bound for Glory.

I am left to wonder though (as little is being done or said),

If when you reach a higher number of years,

And fight a brave but private battle,

Against a cruel and ruthless disease,

Why the world didn't take much notice.

But I, for one, will miss her part of the trio,

Her harmonies so crystal clear,

Absorbed so deeply in my soul,

And the words she sang inspired me,

To stand for right or at least for something,

She and the music made a difference in my life.

It was their music I first learned to play,

And the music that inspired the purchase of my first guitar.

I sat for hours with that twelve-string held close,

And the 'Peter, Paul and Mary Songbook',

Laid open on the floor before me.

And I learned the classics like, 'Blowin' in the Wind',

'Where Have all the Flowers Gone', 'A Soalin' and 'For Bobby',

And so many ballads with stories often sad,

'Polly Von', my favorite with such a tragic end.

So, Mary Travers, I will miss your presence,

And I applaud the courage, by which you lived,

For it surfaced not only in your fight to live,

But in fighting for justice for those who could not,

And for singing for those without a song.