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Thursday 27 March 2014

TAGGART

In memory of Mark McManus...


When snow fell on the banks of the Clyde
you stood, shivering, and watched

the forensics team working hard to determine
the time and cause of death

of the mud-caked victim you'd managed to trace
to the murky depths below.

But you knew all the while it was make believe
to be screened for those who would scoff

at the broad Glaswegian dialect
of the man who brought Taggart to life.

To those "cultured" southerners you were rough and ready -
the archetypal working class Scot:

a heavy drinker and chain smoker, devoid
of the most basic social skills.

And yet you had risen from your Hamilton roots
to achieve more than these ever would:

for twenty years on, we still have Taggart -
that old grouch is a cult hero now...

but no-one noticed a widowed and grief stricken Mark
slowly drinking himself to death,

nor a deceased actor edited out. But your legacy
still defines the spirit of Strathclyde.

24 comments:

  1. ha. yes he is....it is interesting the characters that last well beyond the actors the ones that are cemented in our minds....i think the gritty ones the most as we can relate...we are not perfect...and even in death we release them their sins for the memories they gave us.

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    1. I totally agree, Brian...what I loved most about "Jim Taggart" was his down-to-earth character who told it like it is!
      I adored Mark too...he was an amazingly talented actor. I miss him still.

      Many thanks :)

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  2. Wonderful talent, Ygraine, the way that you have immortalized his characters here including his own :))

    Hugs
    xoxoxo

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    1. I am a huge fan (especially of the earlier series' when Mark was still with us)...for me it epitomized the essence of Glasgow in the late eighties to early nineties.
      It could have scared we southerners away though - I mean, all those murders! lol:D

      Hugs xxx

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  3. Love the poem. Now I have to look up the history to fill in the voids in my education of these events.

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    1. Many thanks, Anthony!
      I did wonder if the series had been screened in the USA. I thought perhaps not...

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  4. I looked him up before reading your poem.
    He died much too young.

    You captured his essence, wonderful writing.

    Hugs
    xx

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    Replies
    1. Yes...I thought so too, he was much too young:(
      It was so sad...devoted to his wife, he found it impossible to carry on without her.
      We die hard fans were devastated...

      I am so happy that you liked the poem though!
      Many thanks, Margie...

      Hugs xxx

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    2. Happy Anniversary beautiful lady.
      I wish you many blessings and much joy.
      Bravo on the number .... yay
      Mine is in April and I have you beat on the number ....LOL

      xxx

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    3. Thank you so much Margie!
      Yes...we had a fabulous evening out...had dinner in a really nice restaurant, then sat up most of the night reminiscing on all those years together.
      Here's hoping your anniversary is as enjoyable...:)

      Hugs xxx

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  5. I wonder your capacity in making the things seen in our mind. Nice and capturing.

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    Replies
    1. Oh thank you, Dumcho...your kind words mean so much.
      Hope you are having a great weekend...:)

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  6. Replies
    1. I miss him still...after 20 years.
      He was a truly unique actor...so talented.

      Many thanks, Gloria :)

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  7. Wonderful piece you have written! I have to look him up, to understand everything!

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    1. Yes...I guess that unless you had seen an episode, you probably wouldn't quite understand!
      I simply HAD to write this tribute, albeit 20 years late. I was prompted by True Ent. who are currently re-running the entire series here in UK.
      Certainly stirred up old memories...:)

      Thank you so much for your kind comment!

      Hugs xxx

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  8. Unsung hero, atta girl, it's never ever too late, hugs xxx

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    1. Many thanks, Lorraine...just HAD to write about him!

      Hugs xxx

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  9. No idea who this guy was till I read your poem. According to Wikipedia he was a boxer before acting (his nose says that). Curiously, his final Taggart episode was "Prayer for the Dead".
    A beautiful tribute to this actor you've just introduced to me. A tough guy with a tender heart and sad eyes missing his wife.
    Now I know both Taggart and his player.
    A hug.

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    1. Yes, that title is rather poignant, isn't it?
      I was holidaying in wales when I heard the sad news of his passing. I was utterly devastated, although I saw it coming after he lost his wife.
      He was one of those rare people you come across once in a lifetime - initially seeming rather uncouth, but who really grows on you over time...there was a genuinely caring and tender heart under that tough exterior - you are absolutely right!

      Than you so much for getting to know him too, Dulcina. I really appreciate your interest.

      Hugs xxx

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  10. A lovely tribute as I have not seen this series perhaps I will have a better understanding of the man behind the scenes :) thank you for sharing!

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    1. ...and thank you for reading!
      I do so appreciate your encouraging comments, Rose.
      Thank you so much.:)

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  11. That was a beautiful send-off. Really enjoyed it.

    Greetings from London.

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  12. Thank you so much...pity it was twenty years too late though!
    Still...better late than never, I guess...:/

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