To Walter

The solace of music, and what do I think of Heated Rivalry?

I woke up this morning to learn that my friend Walter Atha died in his sleep on Sunday night. I dedicate this newsletter to him.

I met Walter less than two years ago when I heard him play piano in a chamber concert with a cellist and clarinetist.

Walter was a neighbor and friend, a retired emergency room doctor and medical director, a vegan, a cook, a jokester, a husband, and a beautiful pianist. He had an infectious laugh. We soon bonded over music, and he read my books, and we worked on a program together which we performed last month in his apartment. He played a Steinway baby grand, which he lovingly cared for.

I wrote about our program here and included the picture below. I am incredibly grateful to have experienced Walter’s music, both in his personal relationships and when he was at the keys.

Left to right: Regino Madrid, me, and wonderful Walter.

The program was really about neighbors and community. Walter and I had begun to discuss the possibility of repeating the event in a different venue over the summer. I unknowingly emailed him yesterday to introduce him to a violinist he hadn’t met.

Shortly before his death, Walter and his husband completed their conversion to Judaism. Last November, Walter played a chamber concert of Jewish songs to commemorate Hanukkah. I’m shattered that Walter joined the Jewish community just in time to participate in Jewish burial rites. My heart aches for Walter’s husband and extended family and friends. He was beloved.

Walter on his piano bench in his living room.

Writing retreat

This past weekend, I had the joy of attending a three day writing retreat in the DC area. We returned home at night, but during those three wonderful days we were phone and laptop free. I recommend it highly. It was bliss. We focused on each other and listened to what we wrote and learned from three marvelous teachers, and from each other.

For one prompt, we were asked to bring in the oldest song we learned growing up. In my case, this would be Sheep May Safely Graze by Bach.

I was thirteen or fourteen years-old, and had just been accepted into the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra which met at the Y on 15th Street in Philly. (Yes there was an old Y right behind City Hall, with inexpensive housing for people who really needed it; what are known as SROs, or single room occupancy. The disappearance of SROs over the last four decades correlates with the dramatic rise of homelessness in America.)

The youth orchestra met early every Saturday under the baton of Joseph Primavera, a hot headed violinist and conductor. The room was cavernous. Now that I think about it, it must have been an old gym. I’m sure the acoustics were terrible. I was thrilled to be there.

Joseph Primavera

For our first rehearsal, we warmed up with an arrangement of Bach’s Sheep May Safely Graze. I don’t remember who wrote the arrangement. I do remember being extremely nervous to sight read among such accomplished musicians. Would I be able to count the rests? Follow the conductor?

What I especially remember is being washed over by the haunting melody, which, alas, the violas did not play. Naturally. If you listen to the bass line, you’ll hear the violas, brushing their bows to create the beat, a sort of heart throb beneath the melody. In this recording, it sounds like they are playing with the cellos and basses. Boring part for violas aside, the piece is a gem.

I’m so grateful to our writing retreat teachers for carving out a slice of sacred space for us to think about something beyond the horrors outside. Phrases like “this space is our tranquility,” “poetry as solace,” “wounded healer,” “sculpting poetry” were bandied about. What a lovely interlude. I wish the same for you.

Heated Rivalry

In case you need to know what I think of HBO Max’s Heated Rivalry…

Republic of Cruelty

Resources for the Resistance:

• I read the Waging Nonviolence newsletter and thought you might find this helpful.

• These are from my friend and colleague Anne Aaron:

  • Information - https://www.standwithminnesota.com/

  • Testimonials - https://www.standwithminnesota.com/testimonies

Even as the goons leave Minnesota, they are descending on other places, including on my beloved state of Maine where they will try to kidnap and hurt Americans of Somali descent and spread terror. Please stand up if you can, call your representatives, take care of your neighbor, and hug your families and yourself.

Love,

Martha

P.S. ICYMI, here’s my most recent newsletter/Substack, “ICE out for good.”