POETRY
Remembering a Friend Today
From ash he came
I remember a late friend today
Who was born on the 18th of May.
Unknown to him at time of birth—
This date’s importance for the Earth.
His youth would pass until at last
In Washington a mighty blast
Would gift him when he turned 18
A sight the States had never seen.
St. Helens — the volcano’s name,
By day’s end it had gained great fame.
Impressed by what that day he’d see,
My friend pursued geology.
Years later we would travel there
To Helens’ flanks, still mostly bare,
And contemplate its history,
Two geol’gists and some cold barley.
Throughout our lives our paths did cross,
Until one day I mourned his loss.
Gone was my friend, from ash who came,
Each May reborn through Helens’ fame.
Author’s note: This poem is dedicated to a late friend, fellow geologist, and former colleague, Viktor, whose decision to pursue a career in geology was inspired by the eruption of Mount St. Helens on his 18th birthday. I recall visiting with him the site of the famous eruption about 10 years later and marveling at the magnitude of the destruction but also at the rate at which nature was reestablishing itself in the area. This poem is written in double couplet (AABB) format.
