Tom McCreight

 

The Uxbridge Writers’ Circle lost a valued and beloved member on December 18, 2021.

 Tom McCreight was a teacher of math and sciences before he became involved in bluegrass.

He played the bass in a band called Silverbirch (see photograph, with Tom on the left).

 On retirement from teaching, Tom became more and more passionate about bluegrass. He sold CDs under the name Coot and became a multi-award-winning performer, music publisher, songwriter, merchandiser and more.

 But he told members of the Writers’ Circle very little about his esteemed past.

We didn’t realize we were in such highly accomplished company. We simply enjoyed his poems and stories.

 He was humble about his writing ability, but we loved his rich characters and whacky stories that made us laugh. He brought joy to our group, and he will be greatly missed. 

 This is the poem he wrote in December:

 

Myacide

 

I don’t believe in fire, and I don’t believe in gold

I feel no obligation to get wrinkled, sick, and old

I think I have the option to choose the date and time

To stop the wheels from turning and end this trip of mine.

 

I’ll choose my time to go away

Turn out the lights and call it a day

Cash out my chips, take one last bow

And leave the stage while I still know how.

 

I may be sick, but I’m not depressed

Just think it’s time to take my rest

I’ve travelled as far as I want to go

Sung all my songs and played my last show.

 

 

Rest in peace, Tom.

Your Uxbridge Writers’ Circle friends.