IT seems like only yesterday
That Joker passed away
A year ago.
HIS strict instructions against a Senate necrology or any public display of grief spared me from giving the eulogy that I could not have written and given.
It was a loss beyond words.
I don’t think I even said good-bye on Twitter or Teditorial.
At least I don’t think I did. I might have gotten angry at suggestions to
defy his instructions, but I know they meant well.
Anyway I don’t want to remember.
Even he could not say good-bye
though now it seems to be the reason he insisted
that we dine and drink before he left for Stanford, never to return.
We talked about this and that.
Given the limited choices at the bar, he said, the smart option is picking
the most expensive wine.
We talked about the time we worked together but hardly ever
about current events.
Even in the previous administration, I read his sentiments in the papers
but he never expressed them to me.
He was the gatekeeper of the first president,
she who restored democracy.
He was ever zealous to keep her above reproach.
For therein lay her only protection against enemies.
He was always alert to frustrate attempts to meet so-called
national emergencies
when the solution suspiciously cost plenty of money.
It was a contentious Cabinet.
But the fight was between men and women
of high intelligence and unimpeachable integrity no matter
which side you were on.
It would be the last time there would be serious
discussions—quarrels even—over opposing principles held
by strong personalities.
After that, I don’t know. I never served in government again.
But that’s not all the Joker I knew:
the man who defended the famous and the not-so-famous detainees.
In the second case, he was in Crame instantly—clothes thrown
over pajamas—
before permanent damage was done to those he made clients on the spot.
He was never openly angry, never publicly outraged,
and yet he defended with every ounce of his being every good
cause coming his way.
But he was always careful never to show his true feeling because, among those who have none,
a show of emotion, an outburst of passionate conviction is a
sign of weakness
to be exploited by inflicting worse treatment on their victims.
That was the Joker style,
to handle your case with a smile or a smirk and a flippant remark
before pouring heart and soul into the fight.
He left the Palace just a year after he set the presidency on its feet.
But every day after that, to the end of her term,
it seemed as if he was still there, pulling all the strings.
That is a kind of permanent tenure in the office he redefined
in the best way.
For the Executive Secretary stood in place of the President to take
the bullets flying her way.
People can and will make mistakes, but never could she.
Now, when hearts are healing
Is the time to remember
A man in his late November
Fighting with all the energy of Spring,
Now is the time to say good-bye—
Or maybe never.