May 2017
Perry S. Nicholas
perrynicholas53@aol.com​
I am an Associate Professor of English at Erie Community College North in Buffalo, N.Y.  I have 5 books, 4 chapbooks, and 1 CD of poetry. I am married to Maria Sebastian, a well-known singer/songwriter, and we perform our poetry and music together at many venues in the WNY area. For more information please visit my website: www.perrynicholas.com

​
Leonard
              But you don’t really care for music, do you?
 
I first met you, Leonard, decades ago in college
between the pages of A Favorite Game.
Like everyone my age, I thought I knew everything.
 
I tracked you through Montreal and Greece,
where we were almost neighbors,
and I respected your rhyme.
 
I took my love to New York City
to learn your songs. From Suzanne
to Hallelujah, you kneeled, sang so sweet.  
 
You were ripped off, loved up,
hidden away, and most of all plagiarized.
Didn’t seem to mind the curiosity seekers.
 
       I’d love to speak with Leonard
       He’s a sportsman and a shepherd
       He’s a lazy bastard living in a suit.
 
Now I choose to leave the table
and join you, before the pain attacks again.
Leonard, oh Leonard, I resign from the game.  

​Watch a video of Leonard Cohen singing 
​Hallelujah
©2017 Perry S. Nicholas
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