In Memory Of Your Flight

On your wings rests the weight of the world,
carrying our desires and our dreams aloft;
Flying intimately past the moon and the stars,
trading reality for our fantasies, feather-soft.

In your beak you carry the seeds of life,
knowing we will reap what you have sown;
Sharing your fertile gifts as you pass by,
your beauty remains, long after you have flown.

From above, you guard us all with mighty claws,
defending life and protecting your domain;
You build your nest among the branches on high,
while we rejoice to hear your sweetest of refrains.

As you were soaring among the winds of change,
you passed before me, once, then circled back around;
That was when you struck my heart with pain,
though I could not see as you fell to the ground.

We believe we can become somewhat like you,
as in this world we have created speed and light;
But we can never replace your form or power,
nor duplicate the dreams of freedom in your flight.

Lora Frikken ~ 4-30-05

I Suppose...

I suppose you did the best that you could,
Though I was much too young to understand;
I suppose you thought I would come to know
That you needed me to become someone grand.

There are memories of your complete dedication,
Always teaching me to be strong and intelligent;
But, somehow, something was usually missing
When it came to affection or a compliment.

There were treasure hunt lunches at the lake;
Embroidery lessons which I truly adored;
Piano lessons, at which I failed miserably;
But hearing you play I will recall forevermore.

Your humor was subtle and surprising;
You taught me games, and songs, and to read;
You planted many beautiful gardens;
But I was still your one unproductive seed.

You could draw as beautifully as any artist,
So I wondered what had happened to your desires;
You stopped doing so many things that you loved;
What made you feel the need to quench so many fires?

When you were younger you loved horses and sports;
You rode in the Rose Parade and you were elected
To be the captain of your high school’s softball team,
Trading it all to marry well and become protected.

I have no more anger about what might have been;
No more hurt about a friendship you couldn’t see;
Though I am saddened by the life you chose to live,
You are alone, right where you always wanted to be.

I suppose I understand you in many ways,
As I take your good and lay the sad to rest;
I suppose you did the best that you could,
So I choose to take with me only your best.

Lora Frikken ~ 4-16-05

Going Out In Style

We can’t stop time,
We can’t stop death,
But in my mind
and before my last breath,
I’ll make my last days something to talk about.

I’ll change my direction
and change my goals;
No time for reflection
about saving my soul;
I’ll plan my last hours so that no one will forget.

And when I’m finally through
on this mundane plane,
Shoot me into the blue
with a firecracker’s flame,
So that my last moments will be beautiful to see.

I want to go out in style
with no tears or fright,
Flying mile after mile
through a starry night,
Until I explode into a million brilliant lights.

Lora Frikken ~ 4-2-05