This piece was inspired by the story of Zach Sobiech. I do not know this young man or his family but feel as though we have all been invited into his heart. This is Zach's story. In 2009 at the age of 14, Zach was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a cancerous bone tumor that develops in children. He underwent several surgeries and many chemo treatments but in 2012 cancer was discovered in his pelvis and lungs. No more effective treatments were available. Zach and his family were told he had likely only a few months left to live. Zach chose to live each day with hope and joy and turned to music as a way to say goodbye to those he loved. He wrote a song called 'Clouds' as a farewell to his family and friends. When I heard his story and watched the video of him performing 'Clouds' I was moved beyond words. I have written this as a thank you to this young man for his courage and beautiful spirit. I feel he has given the world a gift. Zach Sobiech left us in May 2013 but his words will live forever as his legacy.
RIP Zach and thank you!
Riding Clouds (inspired by and dedicated to Zach Sobiech)
Measure not my time in days
But in moments I spent living.
Curse not my death, be forgiving
And understand that it must be.
I am no further than the clouds
You will see drifting past.
Upon them you may cast
The dreams we made together.
Think not of me like a poem
Left unwritten and unheard
Or a song without its words,
A picture you never painted.
Instead, remember me with every smile,
Every rainbow and every breath.
Dwell not upon my music's death
For its melodies will live forever.
I wish that I could somehow stay
To ease your hurt, the grieving
That will come because I'm leaving,
But remember our hearts will touch again.
There will come better days.
I know that this will be
And one day, riding clouds
We will laugh and sing together.
Think of me as a poem
My life and love have painted
Within each breath and every smile
That remain with us forever.
In our hearts these memories stay
Until we ride those clouds again.
“I've looked at clouds from both sides now…” One of my all time favorite songs.
Thank you for this wonderful tribute. Perhaps I should write one for Cynthia Hinchey.
Cynthia passed last week. I didn't know her when I saw this van Gogh--ish painting of a tree and bought it three years ago. Cynthia had MS and painted for therapy. I had the good fortune of talking to her several times and she bought and read my books. She was young and married. Cynthia called me a couple of months ago, but said nothing of being ill.
The legacy of her tree paintings will live on, like Zach's song, and I will think of her every time I see her painting hanging on my bedroom wall.
Dear readers, this is my third book of poems, and inside are a special collection of what have turned out to be not only MY personal favorites, but also the favorites of many of YOU. Some of these have never been available in print before...
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“I've looked at clouds from both sides now…” One of my all time favorite songs.
Thank you for this wonderful tribute. Perhaps I should write one for Cynthia Hinchey.
Cynthia passed last week. I didn't know her when I saw this van Gogh--ish painting of a tree and bought it three years ago. Cynthia had MS and painted for therapy. I had the good fortune of talking to her several times and she bought and read my books. She was young and married. Cynthia called me a couple of months ago, but said nothing of being ill.
The legacy of her tree paintings will live on, like Zach's song, and I will think of her every time I see her painting hanging on my bedroom wall.
Ron
budd
Cheers moi spp,
Dan