Got to Ken him well

PRAISE OF A MAN

He went through a company like a lamplighter -
see the dull minds, one after another,
begin to glow, to shed
a beneficent light.

He went through a company like
a knifegrinder - see the dull minds
scattering sparks of themselves,
becoming razory, becoming useful.

He went through a company
as himself. But now he's one
of the multitudinous company of the dead
where are no individuals.

The beneficent lights dim
but don't vanish. The razory edges
dull, but still cut. He's gone: but you can see
his tracks still, in the snow of the world.

NORMAN MacCAIG




Chummery Ken's good friend, Norman MacCaig (14 November 1910 - 23 January 1996), was a Scottish poet. His poetry, in modern English, is known for its humour, simplicity of language and great popularity.
MacCaig was born in Edinburgh and divided his time, for the rest of his life, between his native city and Assynt in the Scottish Highlands.

Just like Ken.


My dull mind shines brighter now for knowing him.

Cheers Papa.
I've been walking in your tracks up in Assynt and here in Edinburgh for most of my adult life.