Rise Up

The charred ash of his remains, grows the seed

Extreme heat from an incendiary past takes shape

Nature has its ways so does this man

Each gust propelled a change

Each lesson a treasured step

Honestly, he faced his foes

Each conquered each resolved

No longer the victim no longer willing

Such a seed rare, strong, and attractive

Wordily and compassionate his roots grounded

Erect he stands for others, no longer dependent

Rejoiced by those closest admired by others afar

Passions to care and give to others now his mantra

This man has become himself

From Bellport to Zellwood a world he trotted

Faced the unthinkable, still here and me at last

Joy fills my heart from the songbirds to the child’s laugh

The wind fills my sail, the sun warms my face

Travels continue, a new home found, his love of life he will now share