Leonard Cohen's Letter to His Dying Muse

ossian

Senior Member
Location
Scotland
Recently this letter was written by Leonard Cohen on learning that his one time lover and muse, Marianne Ihlen, was dying of leukemia. It is one of the most touching things I have read recently.

Well Marianne, it’s come to this time when we are really so old and our bodies are falling apart and I think I will follow you very soon. Know that I am so close behind you that if you stretch out your hand, I think you can reach mine. And you know that I’ve always loved you for your beauty and for your wisdom, but I don’t need to say anything more about that because you know all about that. But now, I just want to wish you a very good journey. Goodbye old friend. Endless love, see you down the road.

Apparently, when the letter was read to her before her death, she did hold out her hand when that line was read to her. She died 2 days after receiving the letter.
 

So Long, Marianne takes on a new meaning.
I read his biography (I'm Your Man by Sylvie Simmons) last year, and although being a lifelong fan, learned so much about his life. It was a great read.
 


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