Along the path of my life, as with many other lives, so much music has come and gone.  Among these sonic paths along the way, there are those that have left their mark indelibly etched in the deepest fabric of my soul.  One such musical highlight has been that of Southern Rock.

In that genre, there has been one band that inspired me in many ways, both musically and as a person.  This band was the Allman Brothers Band.  Among this band’s members, was the belated Gregg Allman who has recently passed away and even more recently been buried.  His signature keyboard riffs have served to mentor me in some very subtle ways.  His sense of musicality, even more so.

It seemed only fitting that I might honor his mark in my life by memorializing his passing.  So, I’ve done just that:

The Demise of A Rambling Man
by Michael Romani

Laid to rest along Highway Forty One
The Rambling Man's tune comes undone
In the same sacred small town cemetery
That served as a tombstone seminary
Source of the songs that rocked the Southland
In the jazzed up boogie of the Allman Brothers Band

A lone bagpipe drones its somber tune
After the fallen honor that came too soon
Friends and family gather on the hillside
Macon, Georgia's eyes swell with Southern pride
Tears hidden shaded by the huge oak trees
Shimmering on this lazy day's sweltering breeze

Brother Greg has brought salty tears
To these hurting sad eyes of mine
Growing up with his songs in my years
Gone now is one more bit of soul shine
There truly is only one way out
That cross he bore to his grave removes any doubt

Five decades of musical inside history
Embracing all the world in her mystery
Music remained his essential medicine
Until the last days brought their end
Still Southern blood remains to be revealed
A suitable end to his legacy that has thrilled

(c) June 3, 2017  Michael Romani
All Rights Reserved