Poetry is just the evidence of life. If your life is burning well, poetry is just the ash.

– Leonard Cohen

 

The Poem

These lyrics seem to be saying, “I’m ready to serve my Lord”. As I contemplated the words, I realized they’re from the perspective of Jesus Christ.

 

The Picture

This is my tribute and farewell to Leonard Cohen. After doing my best to draw his likeness, I drew almost unconsciously, while his music played. Leonard tips his hat and says, “But you’ll be hearing from me baby, long after I’m gone”.

 

You Want It Darker

If you are the dealer, I’m out of the game
If you are the healer, it means I’m broken and lame
If thine is the glory then mine must be the shame
You want it darker
We kill the flame

 

Magnified, sanctified, be thy holy name
Vilified, crucified, in the human frame
A million candles burning for the help that never came
You want it darker

Hineni, hineni
I’m ready, my lord

 

There’s a lover in the story
But the story’s still the same
There’s a lullaby for suffering
And a paradox to blame
But it’s written in the scriptures
And it’s not some idle claim
You want it darker
We kill the flame

 

They’re lining up the prisoners
And the guards are taking aim
I struggled with some demons
They were middle class and tame
I didn’t know I had permission to murder and to maim
You want it darker

Hineni, hineni
I’m ready, my lord

 

Magnified, sanctified, be thy holy name
Vilified, crucified, in the human frame
A million candles burning for the love that never came
You want it darker
We kill the flame

 

If you are the dealer, let me out of the game
If you are the healer, I’m broken and lame
If thine is the glory, mine must be the shame
You want it darker

 

Hineni, hineni

Hineni, hineni
I’m ready, my lord

Hineni

Hineni, hineni
Hineni

 

Poem By: Leonard Cohen

 

Picture By: Sylvia Arthur

© Sylvia Arthur