Mitch Heisman was a friend and fellow creative, who's life work was "a book about the Norman invasion" that he would often briefly touch on during conversation. I remember, now in chilling retrospect, the way his eye sparkled when I asked him how he would market the book. He commented that he had that all planned and apparently he did.
I remember my talks with Mitch fondly. Trying to get him to watch my favorite movie (The Third man), talking about the creative process and the motivations behind it. He came to several of our shows in Somerville. He was a supportive and genuinely sweet, intelligent man.
On Yom Kippur, Saturday, September 18th 2010, with his book finally finished, Mitch set up an automated email with an attachment of his book, now titled "Suicide Note" set out some packages of the book in cd form for others to take to the post office and wrote notes to loved ones. He put on a white tuxedo and walked down to the Harvard Chapel steps, took out a 38 pistol and shot himself in the head.
Mitch is gone and we live in a world that is a little uglier without him. Many are angry, sad, and confused. We saw an usual man, but not the signs of his grand design. I am haunted by the conversations I wish I'd had with him.
You were writing a book about the Norman invasion
I was writing songs to keep me calm
we had several talks about motives of creation
when we’d meet at Dave’s house
when the nights were still long
I had no idea about your intentions,
no hope to guess the scope of dimensions
dramatic plans for a quiet man
an architect of nihilism
You put on your white tuxedo
adjusted your cummerbund and tie
you walked down to Harvard sq
on Yom Kippur
I got your email
and I got the attachment
but you never got to read my reaction
you were already lying in front of the chapel
when I sent my reply
You were looking for
all encompassing meaning
a thesis steers off
with no one there intervening
searching for a narrative
beyond context no one can see
You put on your white tuxedo
adjusted your cummerbund and tie
You loaded your 38
on Yom Kippur
why is that meaningless?
how is it nihilism?
dig a hole in woods and jump in
how could you search for so long without company?
why couldn't you let somebody in?
You were writing a book about the Norman invasion
I was writing songs to keep me calm
we had several talks about motives of creation
when we’d meet a Dave’s house
when the nights were still long
You put on your white tuxedo
adjusted your cummerbund and tie
you walked down to Harvard sq
the seat of academia
Harvard sq
you walked down to Harvard sq
on the day of your atonement
Harvard sq
you walked down to Harvard sq
on Yom Kippur
credits
from Peripheral People,
track released December 12, 2011
Composed & arranged by Jared Lucas Nathanson and Ben Margolis
Lyrics & Melody by Jared Lucas Nathanson
Ben Margolis - Saxophone
Jared Lucas Nathanson - Vocals
Helen Aki - Guitar, Backing Vocals
Ben Nicotera - Keyboard
Mark Podgurski - Drums
Wayne Flower - Bass
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