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
© Donna Hébert 12/2/22