#116 To Terry

It's not often that the death of someone you've never met affects you so personally. This. This is one of those times.



My first steps on the Discworld were shaky

I wasn't sure if I'd take a firm footing

I was young, so young, when first I ran with Rincewind

It was the first time I remember enjoying meeting Death



Slowly my footing on this odd world became more solid,

The skies became tangible as I met its characters on its ground

I slunk in dark greys as I observed the dragons and nightwatchmen.

I saw people grow from children to adults. I saw monks ensure it happened



When you've spent so much time in someone's imagination

Literally lived there, slept there, though maybe avoided drinking its water

It can be difficult to leave. Remind yourself it isn't yours.

Just remind yourself that the wonderful person who made it was kind enough to share it with you



So, to Sir Terry Pratchett, one of the custodians of my childhood

Now that I see Death again, and he appears not so kind, I just want to say thank you.

Thank you. So much. For sharing your imagination.

Thank you for the people I met, and the places I went, under your care.

Thank you, you brilliant, brilliant man.

"No one is actually dead until the ripples they cause in the world die away...”

― Terry Pratchett, Reaper Man

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