In Memory Of Stevie Ray

Stevie Ray
oh how the world misses you
and me more so than the rest
You see, I never knew you
as anything more than a performer
a gut-wrenching musician
a persona on a sheet of paper
But, hey
I understand you were pretty real
a good human being
living each day to the fullest
you had the guts
to face your fears
and right your wrongs
And for this fact you are known

I can remember
wanting to see what you came from
where it was
that you opened your musical arms
to the rest of the world
I knew it would be my home too
a place to call my own
then, suddenly
you left me
on my own
in your home
I guess
to make it mine.

You could always say things to me
that words could never speak
I always saw you
as a sort of soulmate
an honest person
an intense yet laid-back style
a deep love for the blues
a man who knew his roots
and always gave back
what he took away
You made people cry
and smile
and feel but one emotion
There was no hurt Stevie
until now.

My life changed when I first saw you
oh how things seemed different then
a man with his blues
a man with his heartfelt emotions
a man finding himself
so it was ...
I was saddened
with your loss
I never knew you Stevie
but you remain as family
always with me
in Austin and beyond
I carry all your thoughts with me
of love and hope and happiness
So maybe I ccan be
half the man you were
You showed us so much
in such a short time
showed us honesty
with the world and oneself
through music and spoken word
spoke out for your friends
at every concert you gave
I'll never forget any of those moments
so happy to see a man
with a rejuvenated life
ahead of him
the past behind him
the future waiting to accept him

One year ago
Eric helped me feel better
by playing honest music
Tonight I played
to ease the hurt within me
I'll always play with you in mind
Stevie, you will always be
a candle in my life
you led me to my promised land
I thank you
I'll never forget you
or your music
or the things you said or did
your memory lives on with me
like family you'll always be
I'll play on Stevie
but damn it buddy I'll miss you
we'll share our lives
in Riviera Paradise
for I'll always remember
the person that left us behind
I miss you Stevie Ray

If you're up there
keep one eye on me
and make sure to remind me
if I go wrong
you exemplified the "good person"
I hope to also ...
someday.

Stevie -
on this August 27
I get another year older
and wiser
but I sure don't forget
what you did for me
Stevie -
you won't be forgotten ever
we'll miss you
we'll see ya in the next world, ok?
Play on Stevie Ray
Play on ...