Poems and Thoughts    by Frank Maurer

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Wonderful Tony. Tony Bennett, died at 96 just yesterday. His voice rendered a gentle, slow, soft vibrato. He had his highs and lows in life--drugs in the 70's; Some albums made in that decade did not go over well, until later. 'Sometimes the world needs to catch up with what you are doing.' And then a tenacious comeback in the 80's and on. He recognized and worked on solving hunger with many he saw. His later musical collaborations with others such as Lady Gaga, Endeared him ever more to his greater audience. He exuded joy and voiced a very strong love for just being alive. 'Money does not bring happiness, but a stability to be happy And to have the time and the ability to bring joy to others.' As I age, Tony, I feel what you say-- My joy in my sons, my new little grandson, Rowan, all my friends, And all the creatures I share my abode with-- My lamb, my steer, my emu, my tortoises, and, yes, my responsive Betta fish! Frank Maurer 22 July 2023 0745 Hours.