Ode to Jay Kantor
Reissued for Doc Sherwood in tribute to a great man and Vocalite who is no longer here

There is a guy called Jay,
Who emailed to say "Hey!
I'm laid up at the mo
And feeling pretty low.
I want my Vocalites
To know that I'm alright.
Say, RD, let them know:
I'm thinking in an ode?"
(You're right, that line's not his
But the essence sort of is).
And so you Vocal folks,
Jay would be pretty stoked
If you could drop a line
To see if he is fine.
He misses you a load
It's been a rocky road
But he thinks he's back on track
And hopes to be right back
With witty, quirky writes
To glitter on this site.
So let us wish him well
It really would be swell
To show him how we care
And noticed he's not there.
Jay's friends - not all of them but a selection
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The story invoked strong personal emotions
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Comments (22)
Hi Rachel. I'm really sorry if I'm breaking this sad news to you, but Jay died on the 21st of March this year, aged 78. Do you think you could repost this poem, maybe with a dedication, so everyone can know? I think it would make the perfect tribute, and I'm sure the whole community will appreciate the gesture. Can't type any more just now, as I was devastated when I heard.
🫶🏾
Hi Rachel, something weird happened to Jay's profile here on Vocal. Do you know if it got hijacked or he did republish his 57 stories on purpose?
Dear Rachel - A little late for the party but, 'I'm Back' with vigor, and so at a loss for words. Thank you, Rd - I'm truly overwhelmed..! Such a beautiful flowing poem ~ But why no TOP wit/this one? How Bitchin' R/U'z...! It is just so amazing that the 'VocalVillageBucket' is truly a Global community with real reach-out support for all; who says 'Virtual friends' can't be real friends. I've also heard from so many from the VSS site; you just can't imagine how much that meant to me as well! It's so lovely to hear from people who don't even speak the same language that 'relate' to our stories - how cool is that..! That's all the inspiration most of us need just-to-write because we can. After all, it doesn't really pay well...Hmm! You made me feel silly today - to finally get my mind offa me - I'm so grateful for that! I will pass on your kindness..! Jbud in.l.a.
I was not aware. Thanks for sharing and I hope he is feeling much better shortly!!
I don't know Jay bit I love the ode and hope he recovers quickly!!
Brilliant and beautiful! I know Jay will love it!
I miss Jay. Hope for him to recover fast and be back here. Sending him lots of love and hugs ❤️
This was great and I REALLY HOPE Jay is ok. Definitely missed his funny stories and his witty comments. Please pass on my best wishes to him and hope he has a speedy recovery.
I've been out of touch for a few weeks now and had no idea Jay-Bud did a Humpty Dumpty. I did that in March and I feel his pain. Get better soon brother!
Awwww. Love the balance of humour here Rachel, and I do hope Jay is starting to feel better! I like how “real” he is in his comments, even if only through a screen. Wishing him a speedy and safe recovery xx
That was so lovely. I'm glad to hear Jay is on the mend.
🤣🤣 very good! ❤️
Thank you for sharing this news in such an appropriately poetic and folksy way. Jay: your writing community is rooting for your recovery!!
Well, I will get back in touch with him now...
What a beautiful ode. Can't say I've interacted much with Jay on Vocal, but I've heard wonderful things and greatly appreciated whenever his name has turned up on this page. Cheers, Jay!! Hope you're on the mend soon- you've got an army of us in your corner, good sir :)
You’re the best, Rachel, for this wonderful ode. I’ll stop by to give Jay a hey!
Get better soon Jay!
Yay to Jay! He is such a darling, hope he mends well.
So glad for the update and for the lovely ode!! He is missed!!
I hope you're doing alright, Jay!!! Your presence is missed! Thank you, Rachel, for the update!💕
Jay has been on my mind lately. I am relieved to hear he is doing okay! I am confident that I speak for the entire Vocal community when I say we are waiting with great anticipation to see Jay back soon. Goodspeed, my friend. Rachel, thank you for keeping us updated!