Cityview Housing Co-op members are grieving the loss of their president, Aaron Webster, murdered in Stanley Park on November 17 in an apparent case of gay bashing.
The following is a poem written by a member of the co-op on behalf of all Aaron?s friends and neighbours at Cityview:
with all our love
you are in the arms of the angels now
How do you let death in
when life itself is such a struggle?
How do you embrace
brutal bruises and blows
think comfort for
the unthinkable?
How do you save a life
when the last breath is already gone?
If I could wrap my arms
tight around you
carry you through the pain
open the windows wide
for the light to shine in
I would carry you a million miles
to hear the song of the sea again
scatter your nightmares
across the face of the sun
I would smile with you
surrender you to the heavens
watch your spirit like an eagle
soar free
At CHF BC’s annual general meeting on November 24, delegates stood for a minute’s silence in memory of Aaron. Also CHF BC directors Diane Winkler and Cathy Andre took time out of the AGM to attend an emotional public service held for Aaron held at St. John’s United Church.
In Toronto, housing co-operators and members of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgendered caucus held a vigil in memory of Aaron in Cawthra Square Park on Church Street.
Cityview members ask that, in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to groups working to fight intolerance and hate crimes. The co-op will accept cards and letters sent care of Lisa, #403 – 1885 East Pender Street, Vancouver BC V5L 1W6.