For Pete Sutherland

It hurts to see your heroes leave. Pete Sutherland was a magnificent human being, a poet, teacher, zen master of music, and an inspiration to so many people. We did four record projects together and played a lot of fiddle tunes. My life and music were enriched by his presence, and I’m only one of many who can say the same. Our mutual friend Martha Pellerin, the week she died, said that she was going “to a place called beautiful.” I hope she saved a seat for Pete.

For Pete Sutherland

It’s hard because it hurts

When they go, they take

some of us with them

The love, the memories, the stories,

the joy, the music made

while they were here

One by one, as they leave

A little more

Of our mutual history

is released into the universe

Until finally, the wheel turns

and it’s our turn to go

Then the joy we felt,

The stories we told

The love we gave

The music we made

Become memories for

Someone else

While we become light

In a place called beautiful