Last week I left comments on RR for the first time in some weeks; and when I saw you posted again, I wanted to comment right away.

Thank you for this. McCain was a really principled man, and he experienced things many politicians never see (being a POW had to be a harrowing dreadful experience), and he was willing to stand up to so many in his party, as well as many in the other party. I often didn't agree with his politics; but if I were in Congress, I'd consider it an honor to work with him: He was the type of senator that makes dialogue and bi-partisanship great. When he came to DC just to vote against the health care repeal, it was brave and took real guts. When they announced he was stopping chemo, I knew it wasn't long; but, god, it happened so fast after that, I couldn't believe it. His daughter wrote a memorial to everyone, which was quite moving (starting with how her father was there when she came into the world, and now she was with him when he left it...). The poem you quote is beautiful, and I second your upload's wishes. When you look at who he leaves behind---in Congress and in the White House---you realize what integrity the man had, and how that's dwindling in Washington everyday. A very sensitive caring memorial, and I thank you for it, Mark. (We lost Aretha too...I had a cassette of her father preaching, and it was electrifying; he kept saying "I wanna know who's gonna come up here and pray with me today!!!" I asked another preacher, a dear friend who grew up in one of the heaviest black ghettos in america ((chicago's west side)), what that meant; and he said, "come up and join the dance and praising!!!" I feel that's appropriate for McCain.) A touching tribute, Mark, and I'm grateful. (I'll be dropping you a note soon re your trip. I forget only because of stuff here, but I have it on the top of my list. I hope you're doing well after such a prolonged period of losses and travails. I hope next year brings you a lot more light. 'I hope someone comes up here and prays with me today!' Take care and be well.)

Although I disagreed with some of his political positions I greatly respected him as a man, a veteran and a public servant... Our nation is lessened by his passing! Let us hope that his example and spirit can be remembered and honored!

A fine tribute. The country asked a lot of John McCain. He delivered in a way that few could. For whatever shortcomings he may have had, he gave all for his country. He was one of the last in Washington DC to practice Statecraft and Statesmanship. When the chips were down, he chose his nation above the hyper-partisanship that was and is rampant among his peers. The country is less for his passing, but it is also greater for his life and service. We will not soon forget John McCain.

As the son of a former WWII POW, I find this tribute most fitting. Nice.

Indeed he does...

A moving and beautiful tribute to Sen. McCain. A man's man. And a far more fitting example of principled government than some of the fools in place now.

RIP, John.

What a moving and beautiful tribute to Sen. McCain.

Thanks for sharing this beautiful poem.

RIP, John.

Great tribute, Mak!