ELLEN THE TALL ONE

~For Moji~

Broody mist casts a dark mask

Around the mountains of Theth.

Though I can still feel the sun’s warmth,

See its shining light breaking through.

The brightest star burning in the Universe,

The oldest soul I know, Moji joon.

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You tell me we’ve met

In possibly your lowest, most dark hour.

But believe me when I tell you

Your magnificent aura is as equally as powerful.

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Charismatic and engaging,

Walking calculator, erudite philosopher.

Energy people magnet towards

Emitting unconditional empathy for all.

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The most hospitable, self-sacrificing human

Who will t’aarof until he dies.

Inquisitive and intelligent

Spurring those around him to stop, think and ask, “Why?”

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Exceptional attention to detail

Unseen by the common eye,

Spotting Stalinist honeycomb waffles

And an off-duty Admiral in disguise.

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Cheshire Cat your spirit animal-

Playful, enigmatic and hypnotizing.

I know you prefer to imagine tiger

I’ll let you think so – just stay smiling.

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An engineering mastermind,

Psychological guru who keeps all guessing.

You have peoples’ personalities figured out

Before they’ve managed to slip four words in.

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Always seeking to further educate yourself,

Spreading love, generosity, beauty and truth.

Inspiring your peers and even acquaintances

To awaken their dormant philanthropist.

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I cherish your uniqueness

Moji and original have one ‘O’ – two aren’t allowed.

Your ‘Hawaiian’ shirt and exuberant dance moves

Never being swept up by the mentality of the crowd.

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Forever I will treasure

Our adventures, love and riddles,

Our appreciation for all the intricacies overlooked

In this world so dear and miniscule.

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Massages and movie nights

The whacky connection between our zany heads.

Stars in our very own Absurdist play

Baffled by that wooden bit of the egg.

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Your soul is certainly beyond old

It’s an ancient force of wisdom,

Reincarnated to transcend the ages:

Astronomer, Emperor, Scholar, Wizard.

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Perhaps in a past life

You really were a wise old sage?

Bestowing your teaching and guidance

To me your little protégé.

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I suppose we’ve relieved that tale

Over the previous year haven’t we?

My life in Berlin without you

I can’t bare to fathom the possibility.

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So, as this blinding mist

Blanketing Theth will pass,

So too will the darkness

Clouding the course of your path.

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Take it step by step

Reach out to your wealth of friends.

Let go of perfection, your crippling pride-

You’re human – we understand.

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And may the brightest star in the Universe,

The oldest soul I know,

Shine to his upmost greatness again.

I’ll be beside you in awe and admiration

Of your magnificent, illustrious glow.

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We will write our chapter in Iran

Then onto Australia,

To pay homage to our undying friendship

Which to each other has been a saviour.

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For your love, care, generosity, wisdom,

Farsi and all things farcical

I give you my most warm, heartfelt mamnoon.

All of my love

Plus an eternal hug

Your beloved Ellen joon.