From Terry Rodgers: The Big Man. The TorchMeister.

Miami, Dec 2008.

The Big Man. The TorchMeister.

What an odd thing to wait for this, knowing that it was on the way. Like this ogre in the sky. And how wonderful his grumpily dismissing of the Beast.

In Miami, this past December, he was struggling to get about with a poor excuse for a cane, dragging himself into the worst diner in town to eat the worst food in town with the motley crew that doubled as his entourage. But when we went that evening to the photo exhibition tucked beneath the scruffy highway, with all those glossy Naomis and Marilyns, etc., it was as if he'd suddenly been plugged in - running in a three-legged race, from pillar to post, knowing there was just that one photo that he so sorely wanted. The Madman. His Obsession knew no bounds.

Only a year ago, same city, Estelle was eyeing his little book of notes, addresses, etc., and seeing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, cannily picked it up and began perusing his chaotic scribbles. An Explosion of Chinese profanity, laced with Dutch invective, and wildly ineffective arm-waving produced only a slight smile from the dark-haired lady as she held the book out of his reach. He was beside himself.

All the more poignant to see her with him in February (Amsterdam), he fidgeting in an uncomfortable chair, she listening, as he outlined the future and ignored the Beast.

With that mop of blondish hair (and then when all the hair was gone), he could have been mistaken for an angel, when seen from a distance.

A great and dear man, a great force, and a delicate being.

love, Terry

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Anonymous said...
Beautiful Terry.
April 8, 2009 1:03 AM