DYLAN
He was a shape-shifter
A man of many styles
He wore a thousand different hats
Was known for his wiles.
One minute just a folkie
One minute intoned the blues
One minute a rock and roller
A country artist too.
He even sang some Gospel
Some spirituals, some hymns
But with all those different types of songs
It never limited him.
He was more than just his music
And not really like the sphinx
He dodged the critics readily
Like avoiding a fatal jinx
‘I’m not part of no movement’
He said with a loud voice
But swept up in the flood of music
He really had no choice.
He created his own mythology
About his hoary past
But sang with such sincerity
His songs will always last.
What counts as real authenticity
What counts as truth in song
Must one experience everything
Or is such singing wrong?
One minute just a Zimmerman
A Jokerman, a poet
Dylan Thomas was a muse
Though few fans know it.
Thomas cried ‘Do not go gentle
Into that good night’
But instead of raging, Bob sang
And shed a little light.
He wanted recognition
But despised seeking fame
He called songs a serious thing
More than a musical game.
He believed in live performance
And the revelation it could be
Despite its imperfections
It transformed him and me…
I’m thankful for Bob’s music
His witness in his songs,
And thankful I’ve not endured his life
Or the spotlight so long.
Somewhere a tambourine man
Along the watchtower wall
Is playing a Dylan tune
For one or perhaps for all.
Long after his ship comes in
After painting his masterpiece
His music will still minister
Hope and sweet release.
June 12, 2021
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