Dear Editor,
I read the true and moving letter about Ras Michael Jeune by David Hinds and learnt from it of Michael’s death. I am very sad. This is a big loss. I admired him greatly.
I knew Ras Michael a long time. Our conversations were always lively and stimulating. A long time ago I remember helping him bring out the first and, sadly, I think, the only issue of a magazine called Survival. It contained his vivid, arresting writing and his creativity.
Our conversations were mostly about poetry. A love of poetry was woven into his valuable life. He himself was a very fine poet, reflecting the sadnesses and struggles and bravery and insights of those who do not write. His stories and poetry should be collected and published. As David Hinds writes — “He had a knack of capturing the rhythm of the people in his art.”
Yours faithfully,
Ian McDonald