Steven Taylor (6/7/58 / Cleveland, Ohio)

Richard was a vessel, an artist that was black,
In a sea of white suppression, that he carried on his deck, …
He made us laugh so hard that we were all reduced to tears,
His message helped us overcome our anger and our fears.

Rich became a voice that we deep down did all desire;
Fearlessly he broached topics that set our souls on fire.
From his first appearance on TV, to his albums and his roles, ..
He steadfastly endured and made the truth part of his goals.

Although his life was mired in addiction and excess,
His heart was filled with love that he did openly express.
His legacy lives on in all our hearts and memories,
Because he knew that racism was not a joke, but a disease.


(April 10,2007–Stop & Think Poetry®)