Monday, May 29, 2017

For a Downed Airman


(US Air Force photo)

Spring Memory

For Ted Crumb
Nov. 24, 1946-April 14, 1999

My brother rode motorcycles
like a howling wind bending
trees to his pleasure

He dove from helicopters
like an osprey into the ocean
to rescue downed pilots

When his swift cycle crashed
into a farm tractor
no one could save him

Eighteen springs ago
veteran paramedic died in a ditch
Just miles from home

--Jan Barry