Fly Angel Fly

Oh my son, I miss you everyday Aaron. You died in your 18th year, just prior to entering college to study music. You were a very handsome, kind, gentle, and caring young man – great football player, marathon runner, fabulous singer, and beloved youth pastor. You made me laugh so often. So bright — a humor… witty, warm, and wonderful. I miss you so. I ache to hold you just once more — to hear your beautiful voice, to laugh at one of your spontaneous jokes. I wrote this poem to remember you, beautiful boy.

In loving memory of my son, Aaron Robert Kistner: 11/4/76 – 7/3/95

 
This is my favorite picture of you son
the one I treasure most
since your passing

a simple snapshot
taken at the airport
upon your return
from having successfully run
the New York City Marathon

a gentle
triumphant smile

eyes beaming
behind those ‘cool’ shades
Ray-Ban RB3025 aviators
you called this your top gun look

jacket sleeves always rolled
so casually hip

bag gripped
firm and steady
in your left hand

your marathon medal
dangling proudly
from your strong neck
we celebrate you

the victor

humorous
gentle
kind
cool
hip
proud
carefree
and so strong

!fiercely handsome!

scorpio
you were born this month
four days in

how profound
this captured moment

taken just before the finish line
of your 18 years

it said it all

your race is run
your bag is packed
your reward’s in hand
run run racer across the sky

…and now too Aaron
you can fly
so son…
Fly my sweet angel – fly!

 
*
rob kistner © 2022

Poetry at: dVerse

24 thoughts on “Fly Angel Fly”

  1. So so sad Rob, I find it very sad when young people pass way too early… so many things that never happened for him and you.

    1. Thank you Bjorn. When Aaron Robert was first tragically killed, I was consumed by an angry, bitter ache for a number of years. Eventually it has become a warm, tender memory. The tears, when they come at moments in life, are now mostly gentle tears of joyful remembrance. His brother Justin honored his brother through his son, Alex, my grandson. Alex proudly tells people his middle name is Aaron, after his uncle, the marathon runner, with the great voice. Aaron’s name and memories surface frequently here in our Seattle home — he will never be forgotten! Alex Aaron Kistner just turned 9 years old on 9/26/22 — he is, at 9, a club affiliated cross country runner, and a wonderful singer.

      1. Oh, Rob. I am so deeply sorry for your loss that there are simply no words. What a beautiful photo and poetic tribute. My own kids are 19 and just turned 21 right now, so this hits hard, and deep. I am so thankful you have a beautiful grandson to remember him by.

        1. Thank you De! Most of the bitterness, staying in anger, is long gone — what remains or warm gentle memories that I embrace alone, or with the family. Aaron‘s memory is very present in our home, and my grandson‘s pride in his running/singing uncle keeps his name, the name of Aaron — ever present. Hug your children De — tell them you love them, genuinely and frequently… because fate is fickle, and can be very cruel. 🙂

  2. This is a lovely tribute to your son – he is so young and handsome in the photo.
    Fly my sweet angel – fly! – a prayer for all the young ones.

  3. Oh, Rob… You’ve told me about Aaron’s death before…

    This poem brings home the pointless tragedy of it even more strongly.

    Thank you for sharing with us.

    ????
    David

    1. You are most welcome David. Aaron is very alive in our household, and yes it hurt bitterly for a number of years, I was so angry at the careless way his life was taken from him, from us — but today he is remembered warmly. He is ever present in our conversations, so he is not gone. And to his nephew, my grandson, who carries his name proudly, Aaron is almost a mythical hero — his uncle who ran marathons and sang like an Angel. Alex Aaron talks about him frequently, asking different questions, and wondering what his uncle would think that he now also runs cross-county for a team, and loves to sing — and well I may add! 🙂

  4. This is so sad, but so beautifully written. A wonderful tribute to a handsome young man with his father’s good looks. What a wonderful ending to your poem. Such a great metaphor for having run the race and finished the course and now ready for the crown!

    1. Thank you Lona. Aaron is still very much alive in our hearts, and from time to time, quite present in our conversations. He is still deeply loved and greatly missed. His strong but gentle ways, still touch us.

  5. Oh Rob, you have truly celebrated your son in this poem. I feel the pride in your words and the joy of all those captured moments, that can never be taken away. Thank you for sharing the photo and a piece of your heart with us in this tribute. How wonderful that your grandson, Alex has been blessed with your son’s talents and interests. That is a beautiful thing!

    1. Thank you Mish. Without having ever met, my grandson Alex Aaron’s spirit and heart has been touched by his uncle Aaron. To my grandson, Aaron is his hero personified. . It puts tears in my eyes.

  6. What a beautiful young man, in every way that matters. I cannot fathom your loss Rob. Your poem of tribute matches Aaron’s beauty.

    1. He was an amazing young man Helen. Aaron is ever present in our conversations, so he is not gone from our lives. To his nephew, my grandson, who carries Aaron’s name proudly as his middle name, Aaron is a hero! he is his uncle, who ran marathons, and sang like an Angel — just like he does. Alex Aaron talks fondly about him frequently.

  7. What a beautiful write for a beautiful soul! You had me all teary-eyed, Rob. No one deserves to die young but strange are the ways of this world. It is wonderful to have such beautiful memories.

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