Remembered
•
leaning comfortably
into the curves
wind whipping
through our long hair
we wind our way
into the mountains
into the evening
alive
with 2-wheeled freedom
on the open road
not counting days
not keeping track
just being – free
we glide
feet up
knees tucked
captivated
by the thrill
of the throttle
we rocket
dive from light to shadow
to resurface once more
in the light
again and again
as the sun reveals itself
from time to time
warming us
from between peaks
as it begins to settle
behind the western slope
of the Rockies
four friends
four adventurers
fresh on the heels
of the summer of love
dedicated
to a critical mission
spread the peace
share the love
save our sanity
and above all else
keep the party rolling
we’ve thrown off
the structured mantle of life
to venture
into the random
the unknown
to embrace
the magnificent perfection
of living in
and for
the moment
•
it’s nearly four decades
since those days of freedom
memories have cooled
grown hazy
I take license in their recall
grateful they remain at all
I’m blessed by their refrain
no matter how faint
my days are not so light now
I’m rooted in responsibility
balancing the blessings
and the burdens
of life
sometimes bent
by the yoke of worry
made heavy
by the weight of loss
yet
occasionally
I still feel
the gentle breeze of freedom
stir
as I stand
feet firmly planted
braced against
the changing winds of time
and fate
tonight
adrift in the eternal now
awash in recollection
I smile within
warmed by remembered times
with beloved friends
those days of wonder
falling deeper in reverie’s embrace
I can almost feel that wind
on my face
tossing once more
my youthful mane
almost hear the laughter
see the glow
on the faces of three friends
now far away
I whisper a promise
to my awakened spirit
someday
before it is too late
I will again
pick my feet up
• • •
rob kistner © 2008