Remembering Fred
Fifty years ago today.
Reading a short excerpt from Bread of Angels. On March 9, 1976, I met the love of my life Fred Sonic Smith in Detroit, Michigan. We had a son Jackson and a daughter Jesse Paris. We created Dream of Life together and wrote the song below to inspire and incite the people to action. .
On March 9th Robert Mapplethorpe died from complications due to AIDS. We wrote Paths That Cross for him and his patron Sam Wagstaff who also died of AIDS. So this date braids great joy and deep sorrow. Such is the fearful symmetry of life.
These anniversaries live in our bodies. Wishing you peace on this significant day, dear Patti.
Happy is the one who has the good fortune to find a peaceful love like yours, dear Patti. A meeting like that is rare — something forever, beyond what the forces of the universe can govern or explain. The way you and Fred wrote songs and poems together is absolutely unique, with such a deeply visual sense of storytelling. "Dream of Life" is a truly exceptional album in your discography. From Brazil, I’m sending you a warm hug today. Lots of love to guide you through this beautiful day of memories, so full of his presence/absence.