"When I Can No Longer Soar"
written in honor of Steven Louis Manley
When my body is reunited with earthly sod
remember me as I was
the good things if you will
let the not so good
disappear into the past's own swill.
We are each born terminal, yet we deny
the rational approach to life
clinging instead to wishes and dreams
we are alone, yet never so
for what we see is not as it seems.
To each of us there is a clipping of wings
no more will we with eagles soar
but to have been there, done that, is joy
to have shared this life
makes one richer than a Viceroy.
When you look into a mirror see yourself
and the part of you that is me
smile for you know that I am here
a part of me in you
so move forward, with tear but no fear.
See the beauty of sunrises and sunsets
that I will no longer see
I failed to appreciate their beauty
Honor God, serve others
treat each day as a pleasure, not a duty.
The day will come when you too will pass
from this earthly plane
don't meet God as a stranger
my prayer for you is looking back
you'll smile, at a life well lived with no anger.
As the tree is planted by the flowing stream
so my life has been by life's river
thank you for being there with me
and in remembrance
perhaps you should go out and plant a tree.
dc riggs © 20 November 2008
When I Can No Longer Soar
dc riggs charcoal 9x12 112008
When I Can No Longer Soar
dc riggs watercolor 9x12 112008here to add text.
