Driving east to Greeley

Engaged in its eternal effort to wear away the stones in its bed,
the Big Thompson thunders beside the road
as I drive east to Greeley,
there to remember, to celebrate, to give thanks for the life of a friend.
Memories – of things done, things left undone – wash over my mind.
Death after death – of those loved, those unmet  – flood my heart.
The road winds round a rocky outcrop;
the sun’s brilliant rays stab my eyes,
bringing tears.

9 July 2011
US 34, Greeley, CO, Estes Park, CO