Ave Atque Vale

I came so far to do this for you, brother,
land and water I crossed, to stand at your graveside;
and here's what I came here for, this long goodbye,
this last offering.

And I so long to speak with you, brother,
though your ashes now are silent -
though fate has taken you away from me,
away against my will.

So take the offerings I bring, as tradition has demnanded,
and through the formal tributes of requiem
feel my tears as they sting my eyes for my brother,
and from now and forever, brother, hail and farewell.

GAIUS VALERIUS CATULLUS

translated by Mim MacMahon in memory of Gerald Manley, 1958 - 2014