Win 'The Trip' Murray
Win ‘The Trip’ Murray
Some wish the life of stewardess; Win Murray was the ‘trip,’
more than a plane or ship at sea, with stops not on a map,
a riptide ocean surf conceals ’til shore’s long past earth’s curve.
More than great food a hostess serves, Win’s dish a friend takes home,
fond memories, if substance lost, as guests retire from Grace.
Gil, too, was no one’s afterthought; they lived life shore to shore!
Both were a sweetness one could breathe, a rain that comes before
day’s waste gets washed away! Tomorrow’s scent anointed place
where they held court. Gil stroked to silence (1) let his mind still roam,
a joke that he might fear the night (his eyes shine lack of nerve),
the two knew Grace through thick and thin, love’s brief no handicap.
They favored tides that ferried them! Red sunsets greet their ship! (2)
Brian Johnston
1st of February in 2021
Poet’s Notes:
This memorial poem celebrates the lives of both Win and Gill Murry, now departed. Additional best wishes during this time of loss to Scott, Craig, and Vicki Virnig, the three Murray children, from my former wife, Kimberly Adaire Ward, a friend to the family in Los Altos Hills, CA, long before I had the pleasure.
(1) About a year before Gil died, he suffered a stroke that completely paralyzed him. I went to visit him several times in the months that followed, and though some thought he’d left us, I felt that not so, that he more than knew I was there and looked forward to my visits. I would tell him stories from my life, shared jokes I enjoyed, and always believed I saw joy in Gil’s eyes. And he did recover, could move and speak again for several months before a final stroke ended his life.
(2) This is a reference to the first scientifically accurate poem (based on observations) that I remember encountering early in life (of pre-biblical authorship?). It intrigued me as a child and inspires me still to integrate the Science that delights me in many of the poems I write. Hear Christ’s Word, as poetry! (Matthew 16:2-3)
A red sky’s glow at night hints of sailors’ delight,
but one seen in the morning says, “Sailors! Take Warning!”
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