Rest in Peace
With a heavy heart, Polonia Institute pays tribute to our dearest friend Gordon Black who passed away on March 21, 2024, in Fort Bragg, California.
Gordon personified the Renaissance Man of today. A poet, teacher, and gentleman, Gordon was truly a great man. A friend of all arts, he was an actor, musician, broadcaster, promoter, and esteemed theater star.
Additionally, for well over a decade, Gordon had been hosting a classical music radio program titled “The Wondrous World of Music” at KZYX Public Radio in Mendocino County. In this program, Gordon frequently played the music of his beloved composer Frederic Chopin. As one of his listeners put it, Gordon’s program was making “Friday mornings a delight with his dulcet tones and excellent selections of classical music.”
Above all, Gordon Black was a great Polish patriot, very dedicated to the Polish cause, and an inspirational leader to many of us. His contribution to our community is enormous and will have a lasting impact on future generations. The Polish American community is very proud of having Gordon Black among us. He will live in our hearts forever.
With a heavy heart, we present one of the last poems written by Gordon Black for the New Year.
NEW YEAR
quiet in the canyon enough
to hear the whistle in the head
afar a kerthunk and there distant surf
.
that said its value is what’s not said
escape to football Rose Bowl interpret
both defenses are getting the best of it early
.
let as if life itself hangs on disambiguation
or ride the perimeters of sense in nature at repose
light withdrawing from some but not all last things
— Gordon Black
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Polonia Institute
Gordon Black welcomes Polish American pianist and composer Konrad Binienda at the Opus Chamber Music Series in Mendocino in November 2023.
