WALKER: Brax Bragg knew of what he wrote

"Bullet Proof Bible — The Lyrics, Poems, and Essays of Brax Bragg," compiled and edited by Albert K. Griffin and my son, Russell K. Walker, contains lyrics to the song "Sentimental Gentlemen" by the late Brax Bragg, which Russell calls "one of my favorites of Brax's songs," a part of which is as follows:

"Found a book in a box of your things 'Dreamin Tigers,' I believe it was. Funny the pain the memory of happiness brings..."

Russell, of my four children, seemed to love the old "Walker Home Place" the most, and he sent me Brax's words after reading my column last week's, which I called "Walker Country Store." I think it made Russell sad when I sold Papa and Grandma's place and it made me sad, too. I have so many happy memories of my grandparents and that part of the world.

And, it's certainly true, about memories and pain, as Brax wrote so much better than I will ever be able to.

Russell is a great writer — better than his dad. His words are more profound and better cobbled together. His are deep and mine are, frankly, pretty simple, about simple things and somewhat 'small townish' for which I make no apologies. It's just the way I am, and how I think.

I think Russell's words as contained in Brax's book are proof of what I'm trying to put across — both as to Russell's talent and as to Brax's youthful wisdom as expressed in that one line in "Sentimental Gentlemen Unite: Funny the pain the memory of happiness brings."

Here are some of Russell's words about Brax from the Foreword.

"... With pad and pencil in hand, Brax strolled through life, taking note of its eccentricities and splendor.

He surrounded himself with books. By the age of 21, and certainly by the time of his death, Brax had read more books than most scholars read in a lifetime. Celine, Dostoyevsky, Camus and Kerouac — he could not get enough. And he would spend countless hours reclined on the floor with headphones, listening to Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, James Booker, or another of his favorite artists. He was always attuned to the best music, old and new. His expansive artistic taste is reflected in his poetry.

On a number of occasions, Brax told me where his journals were. He kept them tucked away so no one would find them. He made it clear that they were not to be read, not by me or anyone else. But, before leaving town for an extended trip, he would say, "If anything happens to me, get the journals." I was never given any further instructions.

After some deliberation, it was decided that Brax would have wanted the world to have access to his poetry. These writings represent a lifetime of observation, contemplation, creativity, and hard work. Some of his words reflect his passion for life, his love of nature, and his awareness of the splendor of existence. Others writings resound in frustration and anger. His cynicism and even boorishness are not, however, to be confused with abhorrence. He cared deeply for his fellow man, sometimes to the point of self-deprecation.

His generosity sprang from an innate concern for others. He was a friend to many who were rejected by most, and refused to pander for public favor. He was unscrupulously honest. And he, more than most of us, was troubled. He yearned for a more perfect world, and was aware of and even haunted by its many flaws.

For those who knew him, the memory of this brilliant young man will not fade with time. It is hoped that, through these writings, others might share in his recollections, insights and experiences. As you will see, the world is a better place for having experienced Brax Bragg.

It was a Saturday, July 3, 1999, and Russell was with us at the Walker Home Place in anticipation of the annual Walker Family Reunion. The next day, up drove Kirby Griffin and Tim Potts to get Russell and let him know that Brax (age 28) and his brother Taylor (age 17) had been killed in a car wreck in Texas.

Brax's persona and brilliance in life tended to bring people together, and he, and Russell, as well as my youngest son, John Gray Walker, played in a band together. After Brax's tragic death, and through the efforts of Russell, and others, a group of musicians created "Bragg Jam," which has become an important part of the music culture of Macon and Middle Georgia.

Yes, Brax Bragg was truly extraordinary. At age 28, and probably even younger, he had the wisdom to know the pain that the memory of happiness brings.

Larry Walker is a practicing attorney in Perry. He served 32 years in the Georgia General Assembly and presently serves on the University System of Georgia Board of Regents. Email: lwalker@whgmlaw.com.

This story was originally published January 16, 2016 at 9:43 PM with the headline "WALKER: Brax Bragg knew of what he wrote ."