Getting To Know Your Voice.

I have a complete and utter obsession with Leonard Cohen.

I have a very diverse interest in music. And although Leonard was a musician: I appreciate his works of poetry more.

Leonard created some of the most tender and meaningful poetry of our time. Some poems taking decades to complete.

The words are meant to roll around in your mind until they have reached you, exactly as they were intended. His poetry often steeps for a while in your thoughts, before you can fully absorb it.

Open, raw, humorous and one of a kind. Cohen touches his adherents in places we thought were private, but then you realize: you are incredibly happy that he managed to find his way in.

He found his voice in the words of Lorca. I recommend Lorca to anyone interested in creating craft work, rather than just pages of words that are abscent of your full writing potential. Immersing yourself in the words of masters, will only better your entire output.

I recommend exploring Cohen’s work as a way to create your own best pieces.

Cohen was a Buddhist monk and a lifelong practicing Jew, two things you wouldn’t immediately tie together. This complex, thoughtful man was truly a gem.

A fantastic view of him, from one of his friends, is here: https://jewishjournal.com/judaism/212745/

I don’t share his religion, but I certainly respect that he was immersed in it and it was an inseparable part of him.

Most of my ideas springing from Lorca and Cohen are things I consider private, and that is where they will remain. Sometimes, I write just for myself. But I will share where I got the direction.

I offer this acceptance speech as an introduction for people who have not seen the depth of gratitude Cohen held, for the random influences that showed up and blessed his life.

I would have loved to have met this man, but since that is no longer possible: I reach him through his written words (that are now available for all time, in book form.) I relish the skill of this true, master, wordsmith.

I hope this sparks an interest for you, in reading Leonard Cohen’s writing and trying out his music. He was an amazing artist and a thoroughly fascinating man.