Monday, June 18, 2012

Canopy of Stars

After mastering the role of hero at dawn,
the memory of your existence awakens to fame.
While you have crashed into eternal slumber,
scattered remnants of your life garnish the roadside.

Your mysterious end chokes the day with tears
and your blood stains many pairs of penitent hands,
sticky with sweet love and sour remorse.
You were a child caught between force and obstruction.

You rode the angry bull with a boyish grin,
waving your cowboy hat to the rhythm of the ride.
Shy with the ladies but ever so kind, you jammed
on the dance floor with your eyes on the stage.

Conjunto Rio Grande serenaded your merry-making.
Surfing waves of melody, chasing the day and
passing the time, deep intrigues bloomed and settled
within the dark hollows of your secret mind.

Much of your life was lived beneath the stars.
From behind the wheel, you greeted countless sunrises
and sadly breathed your final breath.
Though you tried to be, you were never alone.

Thoughts and prayers paved your life path
no matter how far you wandered off.
The love of your family lit your heart with
a hope that bravely flickered through the storm.

Now you will soar across the border in a cold
cargo hold, to open arms weary from waiting.
You were often a driver and at times a passenger,
but you will always remain a beloved son.


Jennifer Burnside

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