“On the death of a friend, we should consider that the fates through confidence have devolved on us the task of a double living, that we have henceforth to fulfill the promise of our friend’s life also, in our own, to the world.” – Henry David Thoreau
I met Yazzie when I was seven and she was six. We rubbed noses in the alfalfa field out to the North of the Nenahnezad School and made secret promises to each other. Some I will never reveal. Through the years, we drifted apart and then back together again. We were a mystery to each other. We saw wonder in the world all around us. In September of 1977 when I was sixteen and she was fifteen, we drove out near Burnham Mesa and danced under the stars to an Alice Cooper song. It was our first and last date.
My old friend is gone so quick, without a touch, her breath has skipped. A seal is broken; the spirits move fast, a famous journey on a distant path. Oh, my partner, your lips brushing past, the four winds whirling, a picture still last. My vision, my flame, my Navajo, that warmed me when the night was cold, took me, touched me while stars preformed a mass. We danced so close, that we weaved a cocoon while our bodies touched inside our passions grew. For you made me a ghost, I made one of you too, the sand on my back, while the world was you. Made me a never, never, never, never man, whispering to me “be mine in thought, if only you can.”
For it was back then, so long ago, I became first boy on a sea of sand. And I grew still inside of first girl so true, while the demons hid while the sky turned turquoise blue. Her sheer layered dress, her falling hair, a pathway in time that charts a future shared. Our souls so silent before the beauty we made, below the mesa, while destiny played. For oh, my Yazzie, we are more than flesh, under stars that trail, that seek our breath. For You and I, were I and you, a gasp in laughter, while worlds unglued. A time together when where, was where. Indus crosses meridian, this now September, my Yazzie you are over there.
Just last night as I tried to sleep, my mind so anxious from a week so bleak. I saw you passing just two stars to the right, headed beyond Mercury to a sun so bright. Your gray hair streaming turning black by my sight, and you looked so young like you did that night. And I played some Alice, and I played him loud, for just like back then you assured this old man, we were a constant somehow.
Deb Yazzie was a dear friend of mine from Childhood that left just the other day to travel to where there is no dark valley, just open sky and the best of an enduring mystery in Neverland. – 09.29.2021 – דָּנִיֵּאל
This is such a wonderful love story. What a blessing to have such friends and overs. One of my all time favorites from you Daniel. ❤
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Hi Raquel, Thank you for your beautiful comment. You are correct lifelong friends are a blessing. Happy you liked this.
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You are welcome Daniel. 🙂
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Great writing as always Daniel.
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Thanks much Scott, really appreciate your kind words.
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My pleasure, I enjoy your writing very much.
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This is a beautiful story Daniel, may your friend RIP.
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Hi lauren, Thank you I am sure Deb is at peace, she always was. 🙂
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YW and well put. 🙂
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Dearest Daniel,
It is these type pieces that you pen, that make me realize the depth of your heart and soul, and how that depth has been a blessing to others throughout your life, as well as you have received a blessing. That blessing of course is LOVE. This was beautiful.
❤
Ruby
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Hi Ruby, You always say the kindest things. Thank you my friend. I am blessed to know you. Daniel
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Dear Daniel,
Thank you. It is I that am now honored.
❤
Ruby
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“For oh, my Yazzie, we are more than flesh, under stars that trail, that seek our breath. ” ❤ this line.
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Thank you Jane, you always pick the lines I work the hardest on. 😉
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LOL, I am that kind of girl I guess. 😉
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Ha ha. 😀
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🙂
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Lifelong friendship is an amazing thing. You shared more than a spiritual bond with Deb. I adore the cover of Alice Cooper’s “You and Me” as well. ❤ ❤ ❤
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Thank you Heather. I am so fortunate to share bonds with so many people. The AC cover is one of my favorites. 🙂
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I have listened to it several times now as I reread this post. They go together very well.
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A treasure of a memory for sure my friend. A private memory shared with beautiful descriptions like only you can do.
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Hi Wang, Thank you my friend. Memories of the best kind should always be shared. I appreciate you reading and as always your insightful comments.
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Your welcome. I am not sure how insightful some of them are, but it is fun to try. 😉
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Brother you delight once again with another precious memory. A first love that becomes a lasting friend. It does not get better than that. Blessings on her memory. Shalom, Den
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Hi Dennis, You nailed it as you always do. Once again I am in your debt for your insight into my soul. Thank you. Shalom, Daniel
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This is why we are spiritual brothers. 🙂 Shalom, Den
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I agree. 😀
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❤ this. The Thoreau quote framed your words perfectly.
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Thank you Summer, I am a big fan of anything Thoreau.
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Thoreau is a fav of mine as well. 🙂
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I could not help but shed a tear as I read your wonderful post Daniel. Your words took me to a dear friend in my own life who recently passed. He had been a blessing to me all my life and even in death he blesses me. Thank you.
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Wow, thank you Lynette for sharing that. I am happy this meant something to you.
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The lesson is we touch so many lives when ever we share the goodness of one life we have know.
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Awesome piece of memory Daniel. Thank you for sharing it. May your friend rest in peace.
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Hi Alex, Thank you for your kind comment. I always appreciate you reading and commenting.
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My pleasure Daniel, you write incredibly well. I always learn something new. 😉
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Well done again my young friend. An amazing tribute to your beautiful friend. I do enjoy your memories. Keep them coming. Bill
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Thank you Bill. I appreciate you likening and commenting on my work, and am very happy that sharing some memories provides some enjoyment for you. Take care.
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When you get older, you count more on those good memories and those that are shared with you. Bill
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“Yazzie & I” was a beautiful write Daniel.
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Hi Charlie, Thank you very much for reading and your kind comment.
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Happy to read and comment. You are welcome. 🙂
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Daniel, I have to agree with Lynette this beautiful piece is a tear jerker. Loved it.
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Hi Blaire, Thank you for your comment. I am happy you liked this piece. 🙂
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Very welcome. 🙂
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You had me going with my own memories from so long ago. Well done Daniel, and may “Yazzie” RIP.
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Thank you Ryan, I appreciate your kind words. I am happy this made you think of your own memories. Best of times I hope. 🙂
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Welcome. I do have some good memories, just don’t have the ability or talent to write about them like you do. 🙂
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You should try and write them you might be surprised. I for one would enjoy reading them. 😉
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While I appreciate your vote of confidence, you would no doubt be horrified at the reality of my output. 😉
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This had a nice flow to it Daniel, and I really enjoyed it. Something deep and spiritual in that friendship you had. You are blessed.
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Thank you Dallas. I really appreciate your comment. 🙂
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You are welcome Daniel.
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A wonderful tribute write Daniel. I like the Cooper cover. Alice always knew how to write the best ballads to dance to in the day.
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Thank you Darrin. I agree Alice was almost a better at the ballad then even he knew. Every time I hear one, it takes me back to Jr. High dances. 😉
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Yes, those were the best dances. I imagine we are around the same age. We have much in common. 🙂
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This was lovely. 🙂
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Hi Ginger, Thank you so much for your kind comment. I am happy you liked this.
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Very welcome dear.
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Great memory, well written. May Yazzie rest in peace.
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Thank you Carmel, I appreciate your comment. It was and is a great memory.
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We recognize some of our best memories when those we appreciate and love pass on. Yazzie sounds like she was an incredible lady.
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❤
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Thank you Deb, so happy you liked this.
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Your welcome. 🙂
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Memories such as this are keepers for sure. I enjoyed this very much Daniel. You have a gift my friend.
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Hi Steve, I am humbled by your compliment. Thank you for it and for reading and commenting.
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No need to thank me, I enjoy and look forward to your post. Was thinking you need to do another Whitby tale. 😉
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❤ 🙂
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Thank you Lisa, for your comment. I always look forward to it. 😉
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Shabbat shalom Daniel. ❤ 😉
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Shabbat Shalom Lisa.
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This is amazing and beautiful. You are fortunate to have such memories.
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Thank you Albina, I agree I am fortunate to have these memories. I am happy you liked this piece.
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You are welcome. You are very blessed to have your memories. looking forward to reading more about them.
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Great post mate. I really dig the take on the Alice Cooper tune.
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Thank you Shaun, happy you liked this one. The Alice cover is a cool vibe.
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Very welcome mate. Keep crankin them out. I like them all. 😉
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I thought this was one of your best. I enjoy the first person and the stories have such great emotional depth to them. May you friend RIP.
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Thank you Abigail. So happy you liked this. I usually not always write in first person, I am most at home there I suppose. 🙂
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Plenty to like on this one. Flow and prose is genuine and the accompanying music another favorite of mine. 😉
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Thank you Brian. I had hoped the flow was good one this one so I appreciate your vote of confidence. The Alice cover I think is grand. 😉
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It very much is, the man has a fine touch.
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“Yazzie and I” is sweet and a lovely tribute. I enjoyed it. Thank you.
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Hi Erin, Thank you my friend. Always happy to hear from you and I am glad you liked the tribute.
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Nice post Daniel, may your friend RIP.
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Thank you Jacob. Always grateful to hear from you and happy you liked this one.
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Very very welcome Daniel.
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Incredible write, so romantic.
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Hi Dezy, Thank you for reading and your comment. I am happy you liked this piece. 🙂
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Very much so, and you are welcome. 🙂
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RIP to your friend. Love the way you put words together.
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Thank you Elizaveta, I am happy that you liked this piece. I appreciate your comment.
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🙂
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Your story is so well done. You take your reader right into your heart and emotions. I love the way you do that.
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Thank you Mandy, I really appreciate your comment. I try to put myself into my readers shoes so to speak, and am happy when someone can feel the emotion.
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I find this in all of your writing, which is why i enjoy it so much.
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Love this sweetness. What a wonderful friendship to have had. RIP
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Hi Gigi, What a nice way to put it “sweetness” Thank you for your comment, and reading. 🙂
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Your welcome, it was something my grand used to say. 🙂
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This is beautiful.
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Hi Petra, Thank you for your kind comment. I am thrilled you found this piece beautiful.
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Lovely and sentimental. What a lovely friendship to have had.
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Thank you Amy, it was a wonderful friendship. I am happy you liked this piece.
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YW!!! 🙂
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Well done.
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Thank you Bryce. Happy you liked this piece.
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very much so!
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Emotional and nostalgic writing that shows an acceptance of fate, a holding on, and yet a sense of letting go and moving on. RIP Yazzie.
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Hi Anitaelise, Thank you for your kind comment. I agree acceptance in life is always a balance of holding on a little bit and letting go a little bit. Once again thank you for reading and commenting.
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Beautiful and heartfelt. One of your best pieces Daniel.
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Hi Victoria, Thank you for your kind words. I am happy you found this to be one of my best pieces.
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Your welcome, it spoke to my soul. 🙂
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Beautiful line upon line of greatness. “A seal is broken; the spirits move fast, a famous journey on a distant path. ” I have the thought that your wonderful friend Yazzie thanks you for this one.
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Hi Sylvia, Thank you, for your comment. I hope Yazzie thanks me for it too. I hadn’t thought of it that way, so thanks for giving me that insight. 🙂
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You are quite welcome. 🙂
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What a fascinating journey you have had. The people you have know throughout your life have obviously made an impact on you and the way you think. Thank you for sharing all of it with us.
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Thank you Greg for your comment. I like to think everyone I have met in my life has had some type of positive influence on me even if I did not recognize it at the time.
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Daniel that is great. I try to do that myself. With some it is more difficult than others, but still I believe that is the way God wants me to be.
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I believe that Greg. 🙂 Thank you for sharing that about yourself.
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Dear Daniel,
Life is a broken heart.
It may be a glorious existence. It may be poor, and you are hungry. It may be filled with turquoise, or overshadowed by black. I could wax on.
Young love is not to be taken in vain; although we don’t know it at the time, because we still have so much time.
Then one day, time makes equals of us all.
May Yazzie RIP!
I’m happy that you have so many loving memories from your life. I know, because I have read some of them here.
Daniel, you are a lucky man! xo
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Hi Resa, That was really beautiful Thank you. I tried to think of something to say back that would be fitting to you whom I have never met in person, yet consider a friend, whom I have always known somehow. Some lyrics from a song of a one time famous act came to mind, and they go like this.
“There are places I remember
All my life though some have changed
Some forever not for better
Some have gone and some remain
All these places have their moments
With lovers and friends I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life I’ve loved them all.”
🙂 Daniel
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Good writing. The story written is full of meaning.
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Thank you.
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Welcome 😊
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Nice
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Thank you.very much.
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So touching…loved the story.May God grant her peace in heaven
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Good morning. Thank you for your kind comment. 😊
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