Goodbye, Vincent
Vincent Ferrini - June 24, 1913 - December 24, 2007
What can I say about Vincent Ferrini? He was a small man who was larger than life. From the time I moved to Gloucester I knew who he was and eventually was fortunate to know him. In 2002 while working on the program for the September 11 Tribute Remembrance I called Vincent and asked him if he would like to come and read one of his poems. He said he would. Though I had known him for years I had never seen him recite one of his own works. His passion and intensity was utterly thrilling. Such fire from such a small man! He was glorious to watch!
A few days later he called me and said he wanted to thank me for inviting him to perform. I was speechless --- he gave us the greatest gift imaginable and then he calls and thanks me for letting him do it? What a humble and amazing man.
Vincent was the conscience of Gloucester. His Letters (in poetic form) to the Editor in the Gloucester Daily Times called the city and its people to task and his personal kindness and generosity of spirit are legendary here. Vincent died on Christmas Eve and he will be very much missed. The Bard of Gloucester is gone now but that huge, firey spirit will linger --- I hope for a very long time.
posted by Kathleen Valentine at 10:38 AM
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