The Web Pen Blog » Freaky iPod: Goodbye, Miss Markie

Freaky iPod: Goodbye, Miss Markie

Monday, March 26th, 2007 at 8:54 am

This weekend I attended the Remembrance Service of Miss Markie, who a few years ago went through gender reassignment and was then know as Lilian Grace Marlowe. During the service, her sister got up and read the suicide note Lily had sent her. In the eloquently written note is mentioned one of two songs specifically requested played at the service: “Vincent” by Don McLean. Lily told her sister that if she listens to “Vincent”, she could begin to understand what Lily went through in her half century on Earth.

This morning I got out of my hurried shower when my thoughts remind me to buy the two songs. At my computer naked, I purchase and download the two songs, sync my iPod and then quickly run to finish getting ready for work. Rushing between my bedroom and the bathroom a few minutes later, I stop when I hear a familiar series of piano chords thinking out loud that it simply can’t be “American Pie” playing.

It is.

I walk to my computer slowly as everything begins to feel eerie only to walk in the living room to Don singing, “Bye-bye, Miss American Pie”. Well, goodbye to you, too, Miss Lily. Thank you for the great times in those improv classes almost a decade ago. Thank you for your kind words and support at that Monkey show last summer. Thank you for your courage in realizing your own dreams. I simply wish the rest of the world could see beyond the flashy sensationalism of the human skin.

And, yes, I remember your signature color is indeed purple. I’ll see you out on the veranda later and we can catch up.

Listening to: All Apologies - Nirvana

The other song played at the service was “Secret Gardens” by Judy Collins.

posted in coincidence?, goodbye | permo link |

Godwhacker Says:
March 26th, 2007 at 10:26 am

Beautiful Howard,
I wish I had known her. This planet is not an easy place, especially for those of us whose hearts exist outside the periphery of the norms. I too have been tempted by the abyss, but then I remember that for all its seemingly endless misery, life is but a small bubble in a sea of time and I want it all.

To compassion, hope, and perseverance.

Kevin Says:
March 26th, 2007 at 11:09 am

That was a beautiful post. You are a wonderful friend.

HDW Says:
March 26th, 2007 at 12:15 pm

Big hugs!!

ClizBiz Says:
March 26th, 2007 at 5:34 pm

What a lovely, lovely post, Howard. Sounds like Miss Markie was far too refined for a rough rock like Earth. Godspeed, MM!

Hayes Says:
March 26th, 2007 at 6:55 pm

What a great tribute to her. I am glad that she too had a friend like you in her life!

leslie Says:
March 26th, 2007 at 10:16 pm

You made me wish that I had the chance to know her…

jester Says:
March 27th, 2007 at 4:48 am

What was the other song? Vincent was a brilliant choice. She was stylish and poignant to the end, eh?

Felicia Says:
March 27th, 2007 at 2:50 pm

That was a beautiful remembrance!! I am sure she is on the veranda waiting for all her friends and would have loved that tribute. Thank you for introducing her to all of us through that very thoughtful post

Jeff C. Says:
March 27th, 2007 at 11:21 pm

Nice.

Andy Says:
March 28th, 2007 at 10:13 am

What a beautiful tribute, but what sadness underscoring it. Wonderful photograph, too.

Here’s a weird. It was one of the songs used in last night’s broadcast episode of ‘Life on Mars’. It was being played in a 1970s record shop that featured heavily in the storyline, which was about the first heroin users in Manchester.

I turned to D to say how much I love the song (Madonna version not irksome but definitely not in the running). I must get hold of some Don McLean, I said. I’ve heard quite a few tracks, all I liked, and all had a certain sadness to them that an innately pessimistic person such as myself connects to strongly.

I am sorry to read of the passing of your friend, but I am warmed by your words, especially the bit about the verandah. My condolences to all who knew and loved her. x