As a teenager in the 60's, whose ear was always pressed to the radio, I remember hearing the song Suzanne by Leonard Cohen. But it wasn't until the mid-90's when I was reacquainted with his music.

Why do his lyrics and music have such an impact on so many people? I believe it's because he strikes a chord in our soul, a chord that runs deep in all of us. It's the fallen, human condition that we all, from time to time, wish to escape from. Finding the exact word, phrase or expression to convey a feeling or emotion is not a simple task. Therein lays Leonard's gift! Though his poetry and lyrics pertain to his own experience, we are somehow able to apply it to our own life. This is how he satisfies our soul.

My admiration for this man runs even deeper than just relating to his songs. He is a remarkable person because he has always followed his passions. The evidence of his life's work proves he pursued the visions he had.

I was extremely fortunate to have met Leonard once. Both of us just happened to be staying at the same hotel in NYC. It was the morning after his concert at MSG that I spotted him in the lobby and approached him. I consider that day the most memorable day of my life. I often think about that day and regret that I couldn't compose myself long enough to have had a 'real' conversation with him! However, I will never forget his kind words of gratitude for the small gift I gave him! It was such an honor to have met him!

As a devoted admirer of LC, I have what I call, 'a wall of fame' in my house....pictures, lyrics, concert stubs etc. I also hosted a 'Get to know LC Party' for the unfortunate people who had no clue who he was! And my final 'personal tribute' to Leonard was a poem that I wrote about his life, which was eventually put to music.

This is my tribute to the 'chief poet & songwriter' of this generation, Leonard
Cohen;
' The Legend'
From the casual years of youth, to a grey-haired gypsy adrift
Like iron sharpens iron, you honed your special gift
From gigs of reading poetry, to strumming lost chords in the night
You found the crack in everything… you found that ray of light

You were led to a mountain top, nudged by discipline on the way
But the loneliness was great, God didn't make you stay
Restraint became your religion, it cured the ‘Grocer of Despair’ Now all those lamenting love songs, just lay upon your chair

Yeah, your voice is now golden, chafed and ripened over time
You’re the legend with a golden voice, the golden voice of rhyme

Like disciples we feel called, we flock like birds on a wire
Perched and craving to be fed, your wisdom and your fire
For your lyrics breathe on paper, they beg for notes to make them dance
Your humble voice then coaxes them, our souls become entranced

Yeah, your voice, is now golden…chafed and ripened over time You’re the legend with a golden voice, the golden voice of rhyme

Now where have the ‘Hallelujahs’ gone…are you still in that ‘Tower’ above?
Singing songs you've penned, some with lonely ends, about the vestiges of love

Now your days of youth they’re spent, still you skip with hat in hand
Arousing crowd applause, while they honor you and stand
Is the well-of-words almost dry, a generation holds their breath You've sang to us your ‘Anthem’...how much more should we expect?

Yeah, your voice is now golden, chafed and ripened over time
You’re the legend with a golden voice, the golden voice of…
Yeah your voice is now golden, chafed and ripened over time
You’re the legend with the golden voice, the golden voice of rhyme