When Rosie O'Donnell launched her hugely successful daytime talk show in 1994, she said it would be a throwback to the days of Mike Douglas and Merv Griffin, where celebrities would come on and be relaxed and have a good time. Except for her run-in with Tom Selleck, Rosie certainly accomplished this. On her blog, Rosie pays tribute to Griffin, who died this week, with her poem-like writings. I usually try and put them into some kind of sentence form, but this one, I'll leave as is...

MERV GRIFFIN
eva gabors funeral
on santa monica bvd
the steps outside full
movies stars in limos

of old ladies with bright pink lipstick
clutching photoplay magazines
in huge faded hats
it was 1995 - parker just born

there was a bouncer at the door
who looked like lurch
my name was not on the list

“she is ok harold”
i heard from behind
turned 2 see esther williams
who smiled and nodded

i was 33
we had never met

i sat near the front
with jaren close 2 zsa zsa
eddie albert delivered a beautiful eulogy
suzanne pleshette - gravel voiced and wonderful
spoke as she wiped away tears

the priest began
holding the host
high above his head

thru him with him in him
in unity of the holy spirit
all glory and honor is yours
all mighty father
now and forever - amen

lord i am not worthy 2 receive u
only say the word and i shall b healed

there was a moment of silence
very little movement in the pews
the priest was waiting
2 give communion

“odonnell” i heard
in a hushed whisper
i knew the voice
merv himself

very dapper as always
i looked into his blue eyes
out of the side of his mouth
smirking he said

“get up odonnell
follow me
we’re the only 2 catholics in here
for gods sake
take the host”

and i did
he always made me happy
like millions of others
i am missing merv

maybe he has met nana
up there
she is asking him about totie fields
i am sure