Wednesday, June 6, 2012

on mr. bradbury's passing.

few writers have truly inspired me--taken hold of my mind, my imagination, made me pick up my pen and write, not because i had to, but because i wanted to.

ray bradbury was one of these few.


anyone who is close to me knows how much i treasure mr. bradbury and the worlds of books he brought to life.

today he is lost.

when i read fahrenheit 451 for the first time in 8th grade, i thought it was terrifying and very, very cool. when i reread it in 12th grade for fun, my perspective changed just the slightest bit.  each reread since has brought me new insights, new perspectives, and new feelings.  so few books can do this; so few can bend with the times and remain infinitely flexible and relevant.  bradbury's books can.

when i began working with bibliographical/textual studies in graduate school, mr. bradbury was there to offer me a challenge--a challenge that lasted five years, provided me opportunity to correspond with a legend, and only just ended a few short months ago.

his words have always been with me since that first read, and oftentimes i find myself with a phrase or two of his stuck in my head, circling around the rafters trying to forge some ethereal connection.

while i know that his words have not left us, i am immensely sad that he has.

it is with terrible sadness and many tears that i say goodbye to this dear friend.  he took me on an adventure the likes of which i haven't seen again.  he taught me so much about myself, my profession, my world.  he will never be forgotten.

goodbye, mr. bradbury.  and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.