Friday, August 21, 2015

One Clear Call

I had a different plan for this week's Poetry Friday, but someone I was very fond of passed away suddenly on Wednesday, so I am making today's post in his honor.

Dr. Michael Doran was the principal of my oldest child's high school. As I have mentioned before, I volunteer with the Reflections arts program so I knew Dr. Doran personally through that and I appreciated his enthusiasm for the arts. Additionally, I had the pleasure of hearing him speak many times, including graduation, where his speech was perhaps my favorite. Dr. Doran's wit, common sense, good nature, intelligence, and cheerfulness made him a very special person. My daughter summed it up: "He was the best."


Principal Michael Doran
Thomas S. Wootton High School

Dr. Doran was a fan of poetry. He was from Ireland and grew up in England, and he particularly enjoyed British poetry. My guess is that he liked If, Song of the Wandering Aengus, and The Cup, among many others. Here's Crossing the Bar by Alfred, Lord Tennyson in honor of Dr. D.:

Crossing The Bar
by Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,

But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.

Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;

For tho’ from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crost the bar.


The Poetry Friday round-up is at Reading to the Core.

17 comments:

Carol said...

Tabatha,
So sorry for your loss. The sung poem is absolutely beautiful. Praying for this school community as a new year begins.
Carol

jama said...

So sorry to hear about Dr. Doran. Thank you for the touching tribute in poem and song (beautiful rendition).

Amy LV said...

It is an honor to be remembered with poetry. Thank you for sharing a great man and this gorgeous poem and song with us today.

Linda B said...

It's sad to hear of this loss, Tabatha, a person you and your family treasured in their lives. What a lovely combination of poetry you've created for him, words and music.

Robyn Hood Black said...

Sharing condolences, Tabatha - Dr. Doran will be missed by many, I'm sure. Lovely tribute, and saying a prayer for all.

Irene Latham said...

What a lovely tribute to Dr. Doran. Thank you for sharing, Tabatha.xo

Diane Mayr said...

Poetry can move me, but add the music and I melt. A loving post, Tabatha.

Michelle Heidenrich Barnes said...

So much sadness this Poetry Friday. I'm sorry to hear of Dr. D's passing, Tabatha. These sudden losses hit hard and deep. Hugs to you.

Becky Shillington said...

I am so sorry, Tabatha. I love this poem, and especially love the vocal recording. Thank you so much for sharing this today. This is so very special, my friend.

Margaret Simon said...

You have done a wonderful tribute here for what looks like a wonderful man. So sorry for your loss.

Anonymous said...

How beautiful when a school principal leaves such a legacy amongst students and their families. Feeling for you and your school community, Tabatha.

Anonymous said...

How beautiful when a school principal leaves such a legacy amongst students and their families. Feeling for you and your school community, Tabatha.

Retta said...

I'm sorry for your loss; what a wonderful legacy he left behind, having touched so many young lives.

Mary Lee said...

Thank goodness for poetry in these times of sorrow and loss.

Condolences.

Ramona said...

A lovely tribute for someone dear to your family and community. Thanks for including the beautiful vocal rendition of this poem. I love the use of the word to describe this next part of life's journey.

Violet N. said...

Dr. Doran sounds like "the best." Your poem is the perfect tribute for this gentleman scholar.

Bridget Magee said...

My deepest condolences, Tabitha. Tennyson's poem is especially poignant in light of your loss. Thank you for sharing a bit about Dr.Doran and this poem. =)