Elegy for Alistair
in mem Alistair Campbell (1925-2009)
Now he is dead, who wrote
“Now he is dead, who talked
of wild places and skies
inhabited by the hawk” –
thereby captivating
readers and composers,
envious fellow-poets,
multiple admirers
of his romantic looks,
and silly girls like me,
foolish enough to marry
what I wanted to be
before I knew who I was
but wise enough to have chosen
a kind and dedicated
father for our children
who happened as well to have
an exquisite ear and eye
for a rhythm or a phrase.
Beautiful poet, goodbye.
Fleur Adcock