This Empty Chair
61John Denver
This is a tribute to a great musician who always gave me a Colorado High. I played his songs often over and over when I drove the many thousands of miles in my rig. Laying in my bunk at night when the day was done, drifting off under the shooting star he left behind for all the world to enjoy. His legacy is his music and his gift cherished by so many fans. I hope you all enjoy the selection I've placed here.
Is where he left his heart
and wrote the lyrics to this
sorry song all about what's
gone wrong and trying to
live without
by leaving
her.
His old guitar leans
against the wall left
splashed from
tears he left
in every note
he played and
bled onto his
frets leaving
his pain along
with his
broken
heart.
Not understanding
why she went
away he sang
and cried
with every
strum
he felt like he
was dying deep
inside and
plucked from
every string
strung across his
old weeping
guitar gently
laying every
page he wrote
upon this
empty
chair.
He wrote I'm sorry
for all the lies I've told you
and all the things I should
have said as he hopped
the last train bound
for nowhere drowning
in his own misery as
he thought about
of all those chains he
thrust on her when
all she only wanted
from him was
his trust.
The rain came down and poured
into his soul as he hummed his
lonesome song knowing well
how sorry he was and the
difficulty he would
have living without
her in his
life.
He found
out from a friend
that she was found
lying across their bed
in her own pool of red
and clenched in her hand
was this sorry song he had left
and the razor that she used cut her
deep along with the shreds of every
note that he had bled and left for
her to read on that empty chair
beside their bed.
Except for one line
that said I love you Annie with
all my senses let me lay down beside
you and always be with you with all my
heart and soul I'm sorry so
come back and let me
love you and let
me always be
with you and
never leave
your side
again.
© Copyright 2012 by Vincent Moore. All rights reserved
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WOW!!!! So sad and haunting in a way. The despair and confusion are easily sensed in your writing. Tragic love...I know it well. You captured the lover's destiny with style and grace. Thank you!
Gone way too soon. John Denver lives on in so many of us. Awesome poem and thanks for the videos! Voted UP Vinny!
Thanks for sharing this wonderful collection of John Denver songs and for the heartfelt tribute poem about him.
For all their simplicity, his songs always touched the heart and elicited an awe of nature's beauty.
"Sunshine on my Shoulders" was always one of my favorites.
I still love playing his songs while traveling and have one of his CD's in my car.
Voted up, useful, awesome, beautiful and interesting.
John Denver's life was one of success and talent strewn against a backdrop of sadness and tragedy. In the the end, the tragedy dominated but surely his music will be a legacy which will stand the test of time when so much of the rest of the story is forgotten. Nice work my friend...you've got your muse going! WB
I grew up with his music--so this took me back to a time of innocence and his love of nature--
Thank you!
I, too, grew up with his music and love it still today. He was one of the greats in my book. Thank you so much for bringing his memory back to me once more. :)
I cannot think of another singer in this whole world that touched my life more than John Denver. He was remarkable. I remember spending many days singing and playing the guitar with my brother, singing his songs. Thank you for such a lovely poem and videos. My favorite two songs are Annie's song and Sunshine on my Shoulders..they both make me cry. Thank you so much for a beautiful hub, Hugs to you!
Sunnie
I think we all "Grew Up" one way or another listening to his Wonderful music...such different times for us, "Flower Children" raising children...and questioning...and his music projected our thoughts. Rest in Peace, John Denver, until you sing to us once again someday...Amen.
Vincent, Wonderful Rich and Rewarding Hub along with those memorable videos...Thank you.
Sad but beautiful. Sad songs can be very beautiful and inspirational in many ways. Sometimes the sad songs are our best friends, especially in your case on the lonely road and maybe you can relate to a lost love.
You on the other hand, you drove a rig? All the time I am reading the poem I am thinking about you behind that wheel of that huge vehicle.
Really lovely tribute Vince. It's been a while since reading any of your work on Hubpages. I love John Denver and it was so nice to see him playing the old familiar tunes. Blessings, Debby
Absolutely beautiful songs and an amazing poem Vincent. John Denver will forever be the songster of the 70s with his clear lyrics and melodious tunes. So many memories and depth to his words. How I loved him then and even more now. I'll be back to enjoy these words and songs some more. Peg
Odd, that your poetry is received by me today. For days I have been listening to a John Denver greatest hits CD. Your poetry is a touching tribute. Some of his lyrics were prophetic.
What a lovely tribute to an incredibly distinctive musician and human being! He got his start, I believe, @ "Six Flags Over Texas" amusement park located in Arlington, between Dallas and Ft.Worth.
I'm not sure which of his songs I love most. "Annie's Song", "Sunshine On My Shoulders", "Country Roads" and "Rocky Mountain High" are definitely among the tops.
My beloved stepson from Colorado is here visiting now. He is a writer at heart and has tales to be told about experiences in the mountains there. John Denver's songs would suit them, perhaps.
@RealHousewife Yes he was a great talent and so many loved his music. I enjoyed it all, however my favorite was Country Road. Thank you for your comment, much appreciated.
@vanillavelver I'm sorry that you know it well, tragic love is definitely very sad indeed. Lovers clash like Titans at times with their broken hearts and dreams and end up sadly in this position some times.
@ Sunshine Vinny thanks you for your comment:-) yes John lives on most definitely in his music like so many other great artist's. My biggest favorite of all time being the King of rock n roll himself, Elvis Presley.
@Happyboomernurse Thank you for your great comment. I bet your not the only one who carries his CD's in their vehicles or in their Ipod's. He was one of the greats and I felt a kindred to his spirit being the poet he was and musical genius on his guitar and with his voice.
@Wayne Brown Yes my friend John's work will carry way behond the traged he lived in parts of his life. It will stand the test of time like so many others now gone but never forgotten. My muse is back, yes indeed and will scribe what comes from his heart into mine. Keep writing my friend as well, we need your talent on an ongoing basis to keep our cups full.
@AudreyHowitt, I'm glad to have brought back some memories for you then. Yes John loved nature no doubt and sang about it often in his music. I especially loved Calypso and the series as well. It was magical.
@cherylone I am happy to have brought back his memory for you as I did for so many. He was a great musician and artist in his own right. Like I said earlier a poet's musician.
Great words Vincent;thanks for sharing.
Eddy.
John Denver is one of my all time favorite musician. I love his songs when I'm high or low. Your tribute poem is very beautiful.
I love this Vincent. I have all his music. I always wondered about his death, it was reported that he ran out of gas while flying his plane..I still wonder..Thank you for a beautiful tribute to a great song writer and singer..
The emotion you are able to put into words, the tales you can tell with so few, never cease to amaze me. This was so heartbreaking.
I remember growing up with his popular songs. Your piece is very lovely, such a kind tribute in his honor. I remember when he used to host the late night show and everything was "far-out!" That was always funny. A very sad loss. Thanks for honoring him.
Very moving and evocative expression. You really captured the emotional essence that touches a soul. That photo spoke volumes too. Excellent choice. Lovely to hear the old songs again too.
You have a gift.
This is such a beautiful, poignant tribute to John Denver, Vincent. I can see him smiling down on you while singing and playing my favorite of all his records: "Sunshine on Your Shoulders."
Thanks for the videos, too.
@Sunnie Day I am glad to this piece brought back fond memories of playing with your brother as well as loving John Denvers music, he was such a talent and unique voice. He is dearly missed by many. I tried to pick some of my favorite videos, he wrote so many great songs. The choices you like, I to enjoy. My favorite is Country Roads and Annie's Song.
@b. Malin your very welcome, yes indedd they were all part of my growing up through the sixties and seventies as well. I admired his talent and enjoyed all his music and t.v. shows and presentations. RIP John, I know you are singing with other ICONS...Elvis, Johnny Cash, and so many others who have crossed over.
@ Yes indeed Cardisa, I drove semi, 18 wheelers for almost 10 years. I have been off the road since 2007 and now semi-retired doing security work and enjoying it. Regular shifts and home every night. The road can be a long and lonely job, I had enough after all those years. However I sure enjoyed listening to my music while driving. LoL and John Denver was one of my favorites.
@Debby Bruck Thank you for your kind words and blessings. Ditto. Yes John was a great entertainer and I thoroughly enjoyed his music.
@PegCole Thank you for the accolade and enjoying the videos I posted of Johns music. He was a great musician and so many of us loved his music throughout the years. It was a sad day when he perished in a plane crash that he was piloting.
@mckbirdbks I must have ESP with you:-) indeed some of his lyrics were prophetic. He was a great musician and song writer and poet. Thank you for your kind words my friend.
@ Nellieanna, interesting research. I was not aware of where he got started in Texas. I love all his tunes, my favorite is Country Roads and Annie's song. Rocky Mountain High and Calypso are also favs of mine. Your stepson may get some inspiration from Johns music as I have. Encourage him for sure. Hugs from Vincent to you, oops Saddle may get jealous. LoL
@ Eiddwen. Your very welcome my friend.
@Vinaya Nice to read that John Denver was one of your all time fav musicians. Yes his music certainly gives us a lift when were High or Low. Thank you for your kind words.
@always exploring I am glad you enjoy his music to. Nice to read that you have all his music. Yes the story is just that, he was piloting his plane when he crashed and burned to death, how very very sad.
@poetvix Thank you for your kind comments, as you know my words come from my soul, my muse and thus are layed down as I receive them. I have been given a chance to express myself in poetry. Never have I written a poem before joining the Hup Pages.
@ytsenoh, yes I to grew up with Johns music and saw him on the tonight show and his own t.v. show as well. He was a talent for sure and so sad that he lost his life in a place crash.
@Mona Germain Thank you as well for your kind words. I tried to capture the imagery and emotion of losing a good friend to death. Peace and blessings to you.
Drbj I tried to do him justice. He was such an iconic talent, I loved all his music to. I to hope he is casting a smile down on the Vincent. Your choice is excellent, one of my favs as well Sunshine on Your Shoulders, excellent tune. Hugs my friend.
Thank you for this lovely poem, I grew up with his songs and still enjoy them now, a beautiful tribute and voting up.
I don't listen to a lot of country music singers, but John Denver is one of the exceptions. Great tribute.
How well were your poetic words entwined with those of John´s songs. Quite brilliant , my friend.
Deep feeling came through from you and the Denver songs were a bonus.
Take care,
Dim x
Movie Master, Your welcome, he was quite the entertainer and singer. I enjoyed his music very much and was sad when I heard of his death, very sad indeed, we lost a poet and musician and nature lover.
@Flora, I'm glad he is one of your exceptions:-)
Thank you Dim, I tried to impart feeling in this piece with the word sorry. Words have a life of their own and when mixed the right way can really have an impact on another's feelings and interpretation of them. Denver's songs often gave that ambience of feeling, sorrow and sadness.
What a fabulous hub and a great tribute to one of the best.
This is beautiful pignant piece of poetry
I don't know if it was coincidence or your perfect timing but when I read your words 'for all the lies I've told you' the song reached that exact point too
My favourites are Annie's Song and Country Roads
Voting up all the way
Thank you Rosemay for your kind words and adoration for John's songs, you chose a winner with Annie's song. It's a tear jerker for sure. I based my poem around "I'm Sorry" as it brought back unpleasant memories I left behind many years ago. John was definitely a Poet's musician, I loved all of his work.
A great tribute.. Country roads being my favorite..Loved listening to the music and reading this wonderful tribute to a great singer... and guitarist! A beautiful hub!
Thank you shimmering Dawn for your interest in John's music. He was a great musician and human being, his life was cut way to short. Yes country roads is one of my favs as well.
This is such a wonderful poem love it. Voted up and beautiful.
Thank you for following me and I'll be following you.
writer20 Thank you for your kind words and the follow as well. I am following you to.
I'm still amazed that your first poem was on HubPages. You are one of the most inspirational and talented poets I have had the pleasure of knowing. You wear your heart out where all can see and that's what makes you so great. Your words sink into the soul and make the reader completely captivated. I too am a John Denver fan. I loved everything he sang. His music had a direct route to my soul and I often cried listening to it as a youngster. Thanks for such a wonderful tribute my friend.
Beautifully written and the best of the best songs chosen -- all to bring back a beloved time in the lives of many. John Denver knew no bounds with his voice, his songs, and his words. You are much like him, Vincent, in that you come from your heart and share your deepest feelings in words that wake up the soul and leave lasting impressions.
Well done, my dear friend. You are leaving a trail that will one day be a legacy. Hugs -- and may you always walk in such greatness and beauty.
Minnetonka Twin Thank you for the compliment. I am moved by my past and present. My demons surround me from time to time and my Muse teases them to expel my past and thus the words come forth. John Denver was one of my many favourite musicians. I always felt he was a Poet's musician as he dug deep into his soul to write and sing. I am happy to read that you loved him to. RIP John, I know your on the other side signing your heart out.
@Phyllis, I am only here for a short while. I am trying to leave a legacy of my words from my past. Maybe just maybe my children will find a glimmer of me somewhere in their lives. Understand that I am not the man their mother painted me to be. I am happy to be able to scribe here and touch some souls.
Vincent, You do for sure touch some souls with your words and prose. I would really like to some day share the story of my father with you in hopes that it will bring some peace into your heart in regards to your children and their mother. Hugs.
Thank you Phyllis, yes indeed sharing about your father would be very kind indeed. I know I am not the only father that lost his children due to a nasty divorce. Please let me know when you care to share your story of your Dad.
Oh Vincent, your poem is so very beautiful. If John Denver were still here, he would put your poem to music. I loved him so. His songs will live forever. And he will live forever through his music.
You are such a sweet and loving soul. You have touched my hub-heart so many times with your heart felt work here on hubpages.
Your heart is as big as the universe. Sending you hub-love my friend!
RealHousewife Level 8 Commenter 4 months ago
Great poem! I love John Denver still, Sunshine on my Shoulders was always my fav but Country Road always plays in my mind:)
I miss him.