Strawberry Fields (Dec. 8, 2002)

Strawberry Fields


Strawberry Fields
forever
on Dec. 8
Central Park West
people gathering –
all ages, all shapes, all colors –
singing songs
many still ring fresh
more than 20 years
after five bullets
ripped through the flesh and bones
of a spirit we still hold high

“Happy Xmas (War is Over)”
“Give Peace a Chance”
“Imagine –
all the people
living life in peace”
the songs he left
still relevant themes
and not easily dismissed
in a time when many think artists and performers
should leave their voices
at the door

so hundreds of people gather and sing
they know all the parts
not a voice out of place
on this chilly afternoon
but the Dakota apartment building
sitting majestically
in the background
is a sad reminder
that one voice
is still missing