Dear Jimmy

In May 2025 I was on a solo trip to the mountains, and I found myself quite surprised to be sitting all alone crying over the loss, a year and a half before, of someone I had never met. This poem poured out of me right then and there. I’ve heard writers say that a story or song wrote itself, and this is one of those.

In the year-plus since I wrote this, I thought the tears had completely faded away. I can get through “Pirates and Parrots” now, and even “Little Miss Magic” and “Delaney Talks to Statues”. But then on Friday I listened to a conversation between Zac Brown and Mac McAnally on Radio Margaritaville, and the lump rose up in my throat again. So on a hot summer holiday weekend, the kind Jimmy Buffett loved, it’s as good a time as any to post this one. Bubbles Up!

I came here alone to talk with myself,
Like an old favorite book pulled down from the shelf.
Other Me and I have shared troubles and a beer,
Just like you used to do when the Coast was Clear.

There’s been work to do and chores to get done,
And a couple of days spent outdoors in the sun.
But today’s been cloudy, with rain all day long - 
A perfect day for strumming, playing your songs.

Your words run so deep, you had so much to teach
About how to live life, not just fun on the beach.
Live life to the fullest, soak it all in.
Life is a gift, and it does have an end.

So today I was strumming, like I usually do.
Singing ’bout Spooner, and Cowboys, and Chalices too.
Then “Pirates & Parrots” by your friends Zac and Mac,
And the tears started flowing, I couldn’t hold back.

You made people happy with songs, books, and stage.
Such a rare kind of gift in this divided age.
All ages, all races, folks from left and right,
Would share a drink and a hug, and party with you for a night.

You left it to us to carry on with your gifts. 
To bring folks together, to heal their rifts. 
The party’s still going, we're having lots of fun, 
But every now and then, the tears still come.

I never met you, but I count you my friend. 
I want to bring joy like yours until my end. 
Don't worry about the tears, they still sneak up sometimes. 
But the cure has 3 chords, tequila, and some limes.