Fifty and Holding: RIP King of Pop

A year ago today, I heard the startling news that Michael Jackson was rumored to be dead. I couldn't believe it, my heart sank as if he was my own brother. It was unreal, but it was true.  Despite the fact that I had never even seen him in person, or attended any of his concerts, I felt as if I knew him. I grew up listening to his music. I sang and danced to the beat of  ABC, swayed to the soulful love ballad I'll be there, and sat thoughtfully listening to  Man in the Mirror. When he died he was Fifty and Holding, but he just wasn't able to hold on any longer.

When I heard of his death last year I wrote the following poem as a tribute to this man who was so much a musical part of the lives of many. I hope that it helps you to reflect a moment on the man and his music. Oh btw, I chose the above picture because it represents the Michael Jackson that had just become a man. This is the Michael that we all fell in love with.
Peace, and enjoy your weekend!

One of Many Tributes to Michael Jackson
By Trena Carpenter

I can’t say enough about you Michael,

You seemed like a brother to me.

I danced right along with you and your brothers

We sang to the song ABC.


We all know the Man in the Mirror

No matter if he’s Black or White.

And you know that we’ll always Rock with You

Whenever we go dancing all night.


I’ll Remember the Time when you moonwalked.

How you brandished that one white glove,

No one will ever forget you

Around the world you spread so much love.


Everything you did was a Thriller,

I guess now they’ll Leave You Alone

It’s hard to believe you’re out of my life now,

I just can’t believe that you’re gone.


It’s really a loss to the universe

Around the world there won’t be a dry eye

We won’t stop till we get enough Michael,

And we Never Can Say Goodbye!