ADIEU, Mr. Jackson (Satis Shroff)

[Satis Shroff]

We Love You, Mr. Jackson (Satis Shroff)

Your longing for your mythical island:
Neverland,
Got the better of you.
We still hear your high pitched voice
Haunting us in our dreams.
We love you.

Michael Joseph Jackson,
Born in Gary, Indiana
On August 29, 1958
Is at peace with the world,
Despite the persisting tumult
Here on earth.
We love you.

So long Mr. Jackson
Wherever you are.
The moment your soul
Left your body
And headed for the cosmos
At the speed of light,
Your earthly uncertainties,
Eccentric lifestyle,
Bizarre disintegration,
Angst,
Dollar debts, law suits,
The 100,000 dollar bill
For prescription drugs
From a Beverly Hill apothecary,
Suddenly became a thing of the past.

What remains are the shock, sadness,
Memories of your handsome face,
Ruined by plastic surgery.
What we cherish in our memories
Are your moonwalk,
Catchy rhythms,
Beat and split-second timing
As you danced, sang and thrilled us.
Your exquisite voice and haunting lyrics:
I’ll Be There,
Billie Jean,
Black or White,
Bad, Thriller,
Dangerous, History,
Heal the World.

If Elvis was the first white
Who could sing and swivel
His hips like a black,
You showed the world:
It didn’t matter
If you’re Black or White.
You were the global artist
Par excellence,
With a great soul.
We love you for it.

We looked forward to
This is It in London,
But it was not to be.
Your global fans
Are moon-walking
To your infectious rhythm
In Paris, London, Germany,
A jailhouse ‘Thriller’ dance
In a prison in Cebu.
Madame Tussaud has brought out
A Jacko in wax
At the Brandenburger gate in Berlin,
With a condolence book.
We miss you.