tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918800617954487311.post7285750027782841384..comments2024-03-22T23:59:37.332-07:00Comments on Les Edgerton on Writing: A warrior has fallen.Les Edgertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17997858985904932554noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918800617954487311.post-66176295721351541372013-05-09T08:01:03.916-07:002013-05-09T08:01:03.916-07:00Hi Les,
I'm one of Corty's friends from th...Hi Les,<br />I'm one of Corty's friends from the 'hood but our hood is pretty elegant as you can see if you read Corty's zombie novel published under a pseudonym. When I read your tribute I thought it was so beautiful and sad and I was speechless. But I felt bad that you were blaming yourself. Just last night I saw Sophie's tribute where she posts a number of Corty's emails. I got a chill because those emails made me wonder if Corty was bipolar like his adored Herman Melville and like so many other talented writers. He tells Sophie things like ATTACK, ATTACK, ATTACK and PUSH, PUSH, PUSH and seems on fire with manic energy. That manic energy takes its toll and you crash. The crash is bio-chemical; it's no one's fault, not yours, not Sophie's nor any of ours. Please do not feel guilt around Corty's death. He wouldn't want you to. Use your sad emotions to write or, as Corty might say, PUSH, PUSH, PUSH. Corty liked to quote Goethe: "Never hurry, never rest." I wish for you this gift from him that you never rest from your writing but that you never hurry. He himself never meant to rest. The best we can do for him is to carry on.<br />Thank for such a very beautiful tribute.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10952118059217608135noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918800617954487311.post-59539691276178550282013-05-04T08:42:03.143-07:002013-05-04T08:42:03.143-07:00Les,
So sorry for your loss and our loss of a dear...Les,<br />So sorry for your loss and our loss of a dear family friend, Cortwright. My family has been close to the McMeel family, starting with a best friendship between his parents, Betsy and Wally and my grandparents Margo and Mike McConihe in Nonquitt, MA, so many years ago and very much so continuing to this moment. My thoughts and prayers to all his friends and family, especially his parents, whom he had called to be with him at the time. Even his parents, Betsy and Wally, who were with him in Colorado at the time, and at his request, had no idea that this was intension. No one knows what someone is contemplating, unless they actually tell someone, and he had not given such warning signs. He would not want anyone to carry such guilt. So many what ifs and maybes are left behind, and in knowing how you and many feel, remember only he truly knew.<br />Sincerely,<br />Suki Pisarra GadwahAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02754613114920568923noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918800617954487311.post-90239695192725020852013-04-23T11:16:09.750-07:002013-04-23T11:16:09.750-07:00Les, I didn't know Cort, but the way you descr...Les, I didn't know Cort, but the way you describe him reminds me of my brother John, who also had a wild Irish temper, was extremely passionate, and committed suicide.<br /><br />Focus on the joy of having known and loved him as you were so blessed to have done :-) Love you, Les!<br /><br />Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there. <br />I do not sleep. <br /> I am a thousand winds that blow.<br />I am the diamond glints on snow. <br /> I am the sunlight on ripened grain. <br /> I am the gentle autumn rain. <br />When you awaken in the morning's hush I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight. <br /> I am the soft stars that shine at night. <br />Do not stand at my grave and cry; I am not there. <br />I did not die.<br /><br />-Mary Elizabeth FryeJulia Madeleinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02770857960024041136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918800617954487311.post-20696693420320825602013-04-22T18:29:45.363-07:002013-04-22T18:29:45.363-07:00Sounds like a true loss to the literary world. The...Sounds like a true loss to the literary world. The strands of life can be so fragile. I hope his family, and friends such as yourself, take heart in the accomplishments in this man's life, the strength and passion that drove him to touch a number of lives in a positive way.<br /><br />Think of all the good he brought to this world and he will remain immortal as long as people remember him.<br /><br />.......dholedolorahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08715849844092553699noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918800617954487311.post-57674276132961712012013-04-22T17:38:38.894-07:002013-04-22T17:38:38.894-07:00I spoke to Cort on Friday. He was excited to move ...I spoke to Cort on Friday. He was excited to move to Los Angeles. He had his demons and they got the best of himDrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17625068549963766074noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918800617954487311.post-10362242484239918292013-04-22T17:26:43.949-07:002013-04-22T17:26:43.949-07:00Thanks to all of you who commented. I just wish Co...Thanks to all of you who commented. I just wish Cort could have seen the outpouring of love and respect for him that's taking place.<br /><br />Paul, what a perfect poem! Is it one you wrote?<br /><br />I'm still collecting tributes if you'd like to contribute a few words. Please send them to me via my email at butchedgerton@comcast.net and thank you.Les Edgertonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17997858985904932554noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918800617954487311.post-46901469875834871242013-04-22T12:28:34.102-07:002013-04-22T12:28:34.102-07:00'beware the average man the average woman
bewa...'beware the average man the average woman<br />beware their love, their love is average<br />seeks average<br /><br />but there is genius in their hatred<br />there is enough genius in their hatred to kill you<br />to kill anybody'<br /><br />Paul D Brazillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12881642426845398389noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918800617954487311.post-19846099922635390302013-04-22T11:31:58.410-07:002013-04-22T11:31:58.410-07:00Memories heal, give comfort and keep your friend a...Memories heal, give comfort and keep your friend alive, as will your vivid words. Sorry you lost your friend, Les.Chisemhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18080101422900073873noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918800617954487311.post-39726360015195315812013-04-22T08:16:01.942-07:002013-04-22T08:16:01.942-07:00I'm so sorry for your loss, Les. Sending much ...I'm so sorry for your loss, Les. Sending much love to you, my friend.Sabrina E. Ogdenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02192829855024267562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918800617954487311.post-92051658761992350042013-04-22T06:49:59.010-07:002013-04-22T06:49:59.010-07:00I only spoke with Cort briefly but he left an impr...I only spoke with Cort briefly but he left an impression as surely as he left one on the world with his work and deeds.<br />My condolences for the loss of your friend, Les. You have given him a great tribute here.<br />Thomas Pluckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17008022962076648740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918800617954487311.post-25816530819829987322013-04-22T00:52:59.970-07:002013-04-22T00:52:59.970-07:00Like I said, this is all well and good, and I gues...Like I said, this is all well and good, and I guess it's nice you all admire him so much....except he ended his own pain at the expense of starting a lifetime of pain for his two little innocent kids. My children go to school with his. Different kind of legacy.Park Hillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01834018198978390134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918800617954487311.post-87270647722073474452013-04-21T20:35:52.610-07:002013-04-21T20:35:52.610-07:00Damn. I've heard so many cool things about Cor...Damn. I've heard so many cool things about Cort, thanks to you, Les. I missed out. At least his legacy will rock on, thanks to you and all the other kick ass writers blessed to have know him. Sarah Faurotehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09155772055522276149noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918800617954487311.post-40668380263661453832013-04-21T20:34:16.554-07:002013-04-21T20:34:16.554-07:00Damn. I've heard so many cool things about Cor...Damn. I've heard so many cool things about Cort, thanks to you, Les. I missed out. At least his legacy will rock on, thanks to you and all the other kick ass writers blessed to have know him. Sarah Faurotehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09155772055522276149noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918800617954487311.post-5627837239122065782013-04-21T17:13:16.416-07:002013-04-21T17:13:16.416-07:00I don't know you, but I knew Cort and worked w...I don't know you, but I knew Cort and worked with him for a short time in Minneapolis - My thoughts and prays go out to his family and friends.<br /><br />DavidMWDaveThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16673233127742503808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918800617954487311.post-19018018146769419372013-04-21T13:59:11.923-07:002013-04-21T13:59:11.923-07:00I do not know your friend except through your word...I do not know your friend except through your words. But through them, I feel your love and your loss. I grieve with you.<br /><br />You have Spoken for your friend. Speaking for the Dead is the greatest act a man can give another. Whatever awaits us beyond life, he has been given a glowing recommendation. <br /><br />Be at peace, soldier.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13620772992220744620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918800617954487311.post-61159161574847373032013-04-21T13:42:05.967-07:002013-04-21T13:42:05.967-07:00Les, it sounds like Cort was a man of uncompromisi...Les, it sounds like Cort was a man of uncompromising principles who contributed so much to this world and those who happened to share it with him. Most people never wake up from the coma that is their life long enough to stand on a mountain and scream across the world their truth. The echoes of his voice will continue to reverberate in the lives he touched. I'm so sorry for your loss. Teri from Toledo.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05573104942288187164noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918800617954487311.post-78903947458759960792013-04-21T11:45:41.843-07:002013-04-21T11:45:41.843-07:00Not your fault, Les, not one atom of it. Not your fault, Les, not one atom of it. Scott Phillipshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10164315512007480150noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918800617954487311.post-2908717762423272192013-04-21T10:54:42.000-07:002013-04-21T10:54:42.000-07:00Cort was experiencing deep spiritual turmoil compo...Cort was experiencing deep spiritual turmoil compounded by profound mental isolation and despair. He was at a point where no one could reach him. Google Bloggerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07675991692277796561noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918800617954487311.post-2463110256918019632013-04-21T10:32:59.818-07:002013-04-21T10:32:59.818-07:00Les. I'm gutted to hear about Cort. He was int...Les. I'm gutted to hear about Cort. He was introduced to me by my friend Leah, one of his students, and he got my work published in Noir Nation. From the moment we got in touch you could feel his honesty, ferocity, and passion for writing and for the truth. I didn't know him a shade of what you did, but every time we spoke by email I went away a better man. We had swapped novels as both were about cage fighters, but I hadn't heard from him in a while. I should have emailed him earlier and reached out. But I didn't, as I figured he was a busy man and we'd talk later. Often the strongest men carry the most weight, and without a complaint. Even if you see the strain they will play it off, so those they care about aren't burdened with it. <br /><br />He was a great man and a invaluable mentor to me over the last couple of years, and I'll miss his emails and rants. Many of which were about publishing the Bukowskis of the world, fitting to your tribute. I hope he rests well and my thoughts are with his wife and kids. <br /><br />Take care Les. Thank you for writing this. <br /><br />Kevin HardcastleHardcastlehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06314512168775862365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918800617954487311.post-38538889062235627962013-04-21T09:26:50.745-07:002013-04-21T09:26:50.745-07:00Les,
This is so damn sad, mate. Please accept our...Les,<br /><br />This is so damn sad, mate. Please accept our condolences from this side of the 'pond', and pass them on to Cort's family.<br /><br />Now then. I only knew Cort online for about a year and, from your heartfelt post, he's clearly a top bloke. It's only natural to feel guilty, as you were a great friend of Cort's, but demons are deep-rooted, mate. Forget that tenuous link to 'blame' - you WERE there for Cort. <br /><br />Remember all those good times.<br /><br />Respect.<br />Col Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17913040012695421077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918800617954487311.post-88141446794728394232013-04-21T08:43:25.786-07:002013-04-21T08:43:25.786-07:00So sorry to hear this news, Les. Thanks you for sh...So sorry to hear this news, Les. Thanks you for shining a light.tom pittshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02446531154429089533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918800617954487311.post-2801859149788958252013-04-21T08:22:20.507-07:002013-04-21T08:22:20.507-07:00Thank you, each and every one of you, for your tho...Thank you, each and every one of you, for your thoughts on our fallen comrade, Cort McMeel. I'm overwhelmed by the love you show for him.<br /><br />I also did not want this tribute to be about me in any way, shape or form and please don't take it that way. This totally about Cort only and I only related our experiences to illustrate the man that he was.<br /><br />I am collecting tributes to him which I'll post here when I've got them all. Please send them to me at my email address at butchedgerton@comcast.net<br /><br />Thank you. I just wish Cort could have seen this outpouring of love for him. I'm not a big "God" person, but I have to think that his spirit is alive somewhere and that he knows. If so, he has a big-ass grin on his Irish mug.Les Edgertonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17997858985904932554noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918800617954487311.post-71464398982624439112013-04-21T07:54:29.457-07:002013-04-21T07:54:29.457-07:00Aw Les,
As usual ... your gut speaks more: "...Aw Les, <br />As usual ... your gut speaks more: <i>"I’m just so thankful I got to know and love him."</i><br /><br /><b>You gotta know, you gotta know in every fibre of you guys' tough-guyness ... he so loved you so.</b> How, with his innate integrity, could it be damn otherwise? (Hold that man, with my hug.)<br /><br />As to the Buk-share, so in context. Yet the line preceding your impacted quote:<i>"I still feel that something in me is going to remember (no matter how far I'm gone) how I've come through the murder and the mess and the moil . . . "</i> <br /><br />That kinda sparks the spark that IS Cort. He's readin' over your shoulder and responsible for a coupla word-choices you made that you didn't see coming. He's with you, and his family and all of us out here strivin' the writing gig. He's just that good a guy in the bad guys pool. I just got to know him when Eddie Vega brought me in with you and Paul Brazill and Terrence McCauley and Jonathan Sturak and doggone - it was like no 'new acquaintance'. More like findin' "that guy" again.<br /><br />Here's to you findin' what was Good and Right and True and said the hell-with inane stupidity. What he did with you was his gut walkin' the walk.<br /><br />Let me know, any and every way I can jump on the bandwagon to hype SHORT and help YOU put together other books, including a tribute collection to help his family.<br /><br />As for you, he knows as a writer -- when you made me cry, you're doin' your stuff.<br /><br /><b>Bles'zings Cort,<br />you too Les that's more</b><br /><br />Love you guys,<br /><i>~ Absolutely*Kate</i>Kate Pilarcik ~ absolutelyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12430278736281847787noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918800617954487311.post-42487061914598190102013-04-21T07:53:10.425-07:002013-04-21T07:53:10.425-07:00Les, you write "But, I wasn’t here for him, a...Les, you write "But, I wasn’t here for him, and it was a decision he faced and made. He must have felt like all hope was gone and that makes me weep more than anything. That a good man like Cort truly was would be bereft of all hope is the saddest thing I can imagine."<br /><br />Yes, you would hope your best friend would ring you and say "I'm down & desperate and I need to see you." But that's not how it works. <br /><br />My father's youngest brother committed suicide three years ago, leaving a wife and two daughters. <br /><br />Apparently when you get to a certain place, the only way to slay the fanged monster that eats your hope and haunts your waking hours and squeezes your chest to suffocation is to slay yourself.<br /><br />I'm so sorry for your loss, but grateful for your words. I can't believe The Rapist connection. How utterly utterly sad.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02660391086138764581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918800617954487311.post-66521754392457355202013-04-21T06:40:45.491-07:002013-04-21T06:40:45.491-07:00Les, I'd caught the notes in the social media ...Les, I'd caught the notes in the social media round about regarding Cort's death, but no wheres or whys. Thank you for giving your insight and a bit of your friendship.<br /><br />From what you tell us of Cort, he wouldn't want you blaming yourself, feeling culpable, for the battles he fought alone with his own demons. "Man up" indeed, he'd probably say.<br /><br />The mantle of his visions, his life, now lay within his words and the heart of those he called friend. Thank you for sharing and always being open.<br /><br />His fight is over and my thoughts are with his family, friends and "brothers."Ron Earl Phillipshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02272782948103188166noreply@blogger.com