Memory of an Accident

It was a Saturday night after a long day of walking around the filthy holes of the city. I had a bottle of beer with a friend at one of the those run-down stalls that dare to call themselves bars. I decided to call it a night before the next unworthy indie band played. 

I went to the parking lot and started my car. A public utility jeep hit me from behind while I was backing out of the dark parking lot. I was shocked, I couldn't move. It was a hit and run. I drove a bit and pulled over to the nearest well-lighted spot. 

I stepped out and checked my car for the damage: the back bumper was bent and the right panel was dragging down the pavement. A guy was walking on the side-walk and saw the ruin which was my crushed back bumper. I said "hey" and asked for help. He said he'd come back. 

A few moments later he walked over to me with a thick plastic string. He helped me tie the bumper just enough so I could drive it home in one piece. When it was done, I thanked the guy and drove away. My hands were trembling all night, it was a wonder how it controlled the steering wheel. Adrenalin kept me going until I finally got home.  

This is what everyone knows about the accident. 

The Artist Inspiring Other Artists: Leonard Cohen

Leonard Cohen in the '60s-- he looks a lot like Pete Yorn here, don't you think?

Leonard Cohen is a poet, novelist, and musician inducted into the American Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008. His song Hallelujah was originally released in 1984, covered by John Cale, and later on covered by Jeff Buckley’s haunting vocals in the ‘90s.

Baby I have been here before

I know this room, I've walked this floor

I used to live alone before I knew you.

I've seen your flag on the marble arch

Love is not a victory march

It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah…

Maybe there’s a God above

But all I’ve ever learned from love

Was how to shoot at someone who outdrew you

It’s not a cry you can hear at night

It’s not somebody who has seen the light

It’s a cold and it’s a broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah…

Hallelujah cover by Jeff Buckley

In one of Tori Amos’ live performances, Leonard Cohen read a few lines of poetry before the song “Silent All These Years.” It is the 2^nd single from her debut album, and is, I believe, still the most outstanding Tori Amos song to grace the airwaves.


I've heard of a man who says words so beautifully that if only he speaks their name, women give themselves to him. If I am dumb beside your body while silence blossoms like tumors on our lips, it is because I hear a man climb the stairs and clear his throat outside our door.

Silent All These Years by Tori Amos, with words from Leonard Cohen