Epitaph for a friend
Dear Editor:
One year ago, Feb. 23, 2007, I lost a great friend in Aspen ” Barb Schey ” to a mysterious death.
As a memorial, I wrote this epitaph:
28 February 2007
I have gathered fresh flowers by the lake, in the mountains,
and on the plain and have sung as I walked
smelling the fresh
mountain flowers of my beloved Colorado.
As winter gives way to spring I have fallen through
great pain
into the earth and become solid as the mountains.
I will rise
with spring into my new home.
I have busied myself at home, rejoicing in my
books and
friends and have been soothed by my favorite
beers and wine.
Winters I have warmed myself in the sun,
sometimes on the
mountain top after skiing. Summers I have bathed
in both hot springs
and lakes.
Looking into the still waters of a lake with my
horse I have
seen the blue sky reflected above and in that
reflection seen
my own joy in being there by the water.
Men and women fear to waste their lives,
concerned that they
may fail to succeed. They cling to the days and
lament passing time
while I have enjoyed my friends under the shade
trees with them at
their ranch.
I go now toward space feeling the freedom in my
new breath.
Aware of my end but surprised by the fall I find no
cause
for regret in this present transformation.
To all of my friends that read this I love you. For
my animal
friends and pets I also love you still.
Toujours
Sven Alstrom
Lawrence, Kan., and Aspen
High Points: The final countdown
This weekend we begin the countdown of the days left in the 2023-24 ski season.