A man for all seasons

I can't remember the first time I met Arthur. I think I was too young. But every time I went to Trini, I stopped by to have a few beers and catch up. He even endured being interviewed twice and let me write about him. He let me steal books from the shelf at every visit.

I spent my last night in Trini for Carnival at Arthur's with my dad instead of drinking with friends at some bougie bar somewhere. I promised the next time I visited, I'd come look for him again. He was such a sweetheart and the jazz bar was like a home away from home, filled with old friends and good times.

He made his last trip to Maracas Bay on Sunday and his heart gave out last night. I feel this gaping loss. He's my father's contemporary and collegemate and I can't help but feel a tinge of worry that at some point I'll have to deal with losing my father as well. That's what life is about, I guess, loving and losing, coping with that loss and moving on. There's been so much death lately, sudden and impending.

Today, my friend and I are leaving home with no plans, going out into the sun and celebrating each other. It seems a day for that. Rest in peace, Arthur. You were loved more than you'll ever know.


Photo by Robert Taylor courtesy Caribbean Beat magazine