I've known him for years through his
poetry and our interactions, he was so
damn good.
We are all riddled with human failings,
and we are beautiful.

thank you for sharing with us

I only knew Esker's poetry for a year, but there were moments of absolute perfection of the craft and art of poetry:

and if we think
that death is rest
and final end
the one last breath
at least the life
of love thats lost
lives on in us
that lives and walks
and in the spirit
of exchange
that not replaces
but only gains
memory lives
of those remembered
then
for those who
feel the threshold
of the waves
that fall upon the
endless beach
like grains of sand
and precious
shells
while we be carried
in the hearts
when we too
take our time
and felled
by mortal hand
to rest upon
immensities

This is profoundly good poetry. And that was what was important to him. Poetry is an art. Your father was an artist. That gives him a special place in our hearts. All true artists a bit quirky, a bit compulsive, a bit self absorbed.

It is good that you are trying your hand of poetry. Part of the process is confessional,and about honesty. To be honest is one of the most difficult aspects of the process of becoming a poet. It is a process which lasts a lifetime and it will be there for you when you need it most. Having Esker was a good role model for you in this respect, and I hope you continue to read and study poetry.
We are all "better people" for doing so, as poetry will put you in touch with your imagination and the depth of love and respect for life. We were all influenced by his work. It was gift I'm sure you will treasure.
..

cliqued with Esker when I first joined Neopoet. He had that imagistic bravery so rare in poets nowadays.