OCTOBER 3^rd 1989

Seventeen years ago today

My unsteady world

Revolved around a vodka bottle

Egocentric

Numb

Hopelessly addicted

Drowning in a sea of fermentation

My aging mind grows foggy

Few details of that energetic era remain

Brain cell damage perhaps

Or simply a coping mechanism

To dull biting shards of guilt

Hot Tropics Inc.

Bankrupt tangle of shattered dreams

Thousands of impressionable young fans

Dismayed

Stunned

As they witnessed the public meltdown

I accept full responsibility

Regretful nightmares

Haunt me to this day

One glowing gem remains

Gloriously standing tall

Angelic

Arisen from the ashes

You

Sarah Ellen Grimes

My special baby girl

My inspiration

October 3^rd, 1989

Life changed forever that day

I was there as you arrived

Raising hell with the busy Doctors

Anxious

To finally see the faces

Of gentle voices so familiar 

I held you

As together we rocked for the first time

Your crystal sparkling eyes met mine

Enchanting

Miraculous

Your mystical spell

Seized my soul forever

I remember vividly

Such a helpless feeling

Unworthy

Afraid

Yet proud

Extremely exhilarated

So many failures as a father

Lofty price to pay

For my conceited sickness

Foolish choices

Priceless wasted time

Words

Shall never replace lost memories

Instead

A gift from my heart to yours

Sincere ode to you

Eternally esteemed

In honor of your precious spirit

My beautiful Daughter

How I love you so

© Bill Grimes Jr. 2006