Amy Winehouse

I did not know her music, But I’ve read of her travails. It seemed that all her problems Only ratcheted her sales. Her concerts made the news because She barely could perform; For her, intoxication And/or drug use was the norm. Like Kurt Cobain before her, And like Jimi, Janis, Jim*, Her talent seemed authentic, Her survival chances slim. It really is a shame to hear That someone is found dead At the age of twenty-seven, With a lifetime still ahead. But tortured souls have got to do Whatever they are drawn to, And we can only wonder ‘bout The places they have gone to. It’s sad to be so talented But plainly, quite tormented. I’d rather have less talent But be somewhat more contented. *Hendrix, Joplin, Morrison