I'd like to share two different translations of a poem by Omar Khayyam, a Persian astronomer, philosopher and poet from the medieval period whose work James had studied and admired. Taken from a series of poems called the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, this one reminded me of James.
Before time takes you by surprise
Ask for good red wine and get wise
You are not of gold, don't believe the lies
You are put to dust, once again you will rise
Do not focus upon the size
Not for worldly compromise
Quality is your only prize
Transcend your earthly disguise
Without fear, without despise
With love and joy improvise
James was a true partner, my best friend. I could go on and on about all the great things he did or the great person he was. I should set up a number, a 1800-JAMES, for anyone who will listen. Perhaps I could cure insomniacs with my streaming James talk.
Which is to say that there was a lot I loved about him and being with him right down to those little moments, like just walking in the streets of New York arm in arm, or cooking a meal together. Whatever it was, he made it engaging and enjoyable. There was such an ease to James, it didn't take much to feel completely open and comfortable around him, to feel that good connection.
James achieved a lot in his professional life and gave much back to his work and his community, and to people and organizations around the world—it's incredibly inspiring. But even at the everyday level he was extraordinary, with his own special brand of humor and irreverence, his kind, thoughtful, open mind, his warmth and compassion, and his sense of fun. I'm so thankful to have been on the receiving end of all that, even for a brief moment. I will always cherish James and our all-too-short time together. I miss him so very much.
Governors Island NY, April 2009
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