Bob Month

Dark Eyes

In 1995, after 16 years away from public life, I reentered with an East Coast tour opening Bob Dylan. After the death of my husband, the poet-activist Allen Ginsberg encouraged me to perform again. He had appealed to Bob, asking him to help me ease back onto the stage. After the first few jobs I was given the Bob Dylan lyric book and invited to choose a song that we could perform together. I spent a sleepless night going over the many songs I loved, and decided by daybreak on the song Dark Eyes. I chose it because of its beauty, and out of a degree of modesty. He seemed surprised but pleased with my choice and each night, within his set, I joined him to sing the song.

I sang the verses, which had a William Blake aspect, and we sang the chorus together. I am not a good harmonizer but he didn’t seem to mind; he was considerate and patient. In the course of that tour I regained my footing and my confidence. I can say, though at the time I felt a spectrum of emotions, from excitement to sorrow, those fleeting moments singing Dark Eyes with him remain among my most cherished memories.

And so we conclude Bob Month with this little film, captured in Philadelphia. Within it is a history of caring for Bob and his work, from an awkward teenage girl to the person I am today, grateful that he walks among us.