In memory of my dear friend and angel
on Earth, Brendan Conroy, who came to realize that
No One stands between he and God, today.

I knew him as a Captain--
a dog of the salty sea;
an image and likeness of Capt'n Gregg;
an actor's actor was he.

I knew him for his boyish charm--
a chuckle, a wink, a grin;
Kindred Spirits along his way
know anyone's heart he could win.

I knew him as Father Christmas--
Authentically did he intend
that children might know St. Nicholas
as far more than a gift-bearing friend.

I knew him out of his shadows--
his stories of wrestling with Life;
his questing for purpose and meaning
when days held scarce more than strife.

I knew him as my Earth Angel--
One and only to turn me around
once my river was rushing to quickly
in a direction to run me a-ground.
He came and held out his hand,
as blythely I floated down stream;
He said, "Your true path goes
against this current. . .
regardless the challenge it seems."
I said,
"I don't think that I can make it,
though my heart knows
what you tell me is true ."
He said,
"Solely I neither can make it,
but this we together shall do."