Michael Jackson

[plumerai]

"A good marriage is one in which each partner appoints the other to be the guardian of his or her solitude, and thus they show each other the greatest possible trust. A merging of two people is an impossibility, and where it seems to exist, it is a hemming-in, a mutual consent that robs one party or both parties of their fullest freedom and

Comments

[sixcylinders]

Thank you for writing this.

[sarahskirt]

u rite good. Sorry, I feel like whatever I write in reaction will sound about like that. Thank you for writing this, and for the unique perspective - I don't have much memory of him pre-molestation charges, so in a way my feelings are uncomplicated by the love felt by others. I only remember feeling conflict for him, and profound sadness at his life, and the way it affected those around him.

[risala]

I heartily agree with all of this, and I think it's really well written. Thanks for putting it out here, I enjoyed reading it.

I was trying to think of something useful to add but that's all I've got!

[sybness]

I love the way you invoke Rilke's observation, and was curious at the start of your post about how on earth you were going to link it to MJ's death--and I utterly agree that he was barred from achieving real intimacy or trust with others. Of the many conflicted responses I have read to his death, yours is the most profound (a word I have little opportunity to use, so thanks!)

J and I live out Rilke's maxim I think; not consciously of course, but using as point of departure the fact we each need a *lot* of space and going from there. I feel it most keenly when we travel together, and enjoy the shared silance as much as talking about what we're seeing.

I think the most predictable thing about MJ's death is that it was always going to be sudden to the wider world, when in reality he's probably been struggling seriously with his health for years.

[nicecupoftea]

this is a beautiful piece of writing. you are smart.