By Douglas J. Lanzo
Copyright 2023

First published in Founder’s Favorites, Issue 23 (July 2023)

Dedicated to a great man whose songs will never leave us

Though Alzheimer’s did ravish
his cognition and memories,
it robbed not Tony Bennett
of his most precious revelries:

the music from within him,
the sounds of laughter in the air,
the joy in each soulful note,
brimming with life – a love affair…
timeless eyes peering into
the cherished moments he evoked,
kindling a true connection –
a fire and zest for life, he stoked.

In his final performance
with Lady Gaga at his side,
he shared his greatest numbers,
hitting each joyful note in stride,
singing “Fly Me to the Moon,”
bringing the full house to its feet,
fans at Radio City
to Italy, witness to this treat.