POEMS IN MEMORY OF DALE EARNHARDT
ONE QUARTER MILE FROM HEAVEN
Like a guardian angel from four cars back,
Watching Michael & Dale Jr. as they circled the track.
No intention of winning, just holding his place,
So proud of his "boys" now winning the race.
We thought it was over, the end was so near
No time for pain, no time for fear
We did not know, as there was no sign,
Dale was one-quarter mile from his final finish line.
Within an instant, NASCAR fans would be facing
An eternal change in their world of racing
He was one of the greatest; beloved in his sport
With a grand career now sadly cut short.
All the crowd noticed was excitement and debris,
But a miracle was happening we could not see
Dale said goodbye through shining metal and chrome
As God gave "NUMBER 3" his checkered flag "home".
But forever in our hearts, and in the scheme of things,
We'll picture him circling heaven with black and red wings. Grinning;
telling angels..and even the Creator,
"look out over there...here comes the "INIMIDATOR".
Author Unkown
I DIDN'T REALLY DIE
A fine Daytona afternoon, the season just begun.
My boys were running one and two, and I was having fun.
I probably could have won the thing, but something held me back.
I was busy watching Dale, Jr and Mike -- and holding off the pack.
I was looking toward the front and not really to the rear.
Something tapped me on my bumper, but still I had no fear.
I thought it might be Sterling - I knew he was nearby.
When Sterling smells the checerked flag, I'll tell you, he ain't shy.
I slipped a bit. I turned the wheel. I sensed something very odd.
It wasn't Sterling's tap I'd felt. It was the tap of God.
"Not now," I said. "I'm racing hard. There's work still here to do."
"You're time is up." He whispered low, "So say a quick adieu."
I wasn't really ready, but I didn't have a choice.
He'd tapped on the bumper and I'd heard His hallowed voice.
So I did as He instructed. I just packed it in and left.
I guess it can't be helped that I left some of you bereft.
Did you see those birds upon the wall as they scattered in the breeze?
Will it make it any easier to know that one of them was me?
There was also Davey, Dad and Neil and some other guys I've known.
And they all came to Daytona just to escort me on home.
Hey - congratulations, Mikey! You made a worthy run.
I wish you many, many, more. You're wins have just begun
All that fun you had in Victory Lane, I was proud as proud can be.
Did you see a seagull flying low? Yeah, Mickey, that was me.
So, friends, and fans and family, don't mourn me for too long.
Get on with life - take care of things - be brave and proud and strong.
I'll surely miss you everyone. About that I will not lie.
But as long as you remember me - I didn't really die.
Author Unknown
DON'T GRIEVE FOR ME
"Don't grieve for me,
for now I'm free,
I'm following the path God laid for me,
I took his hand when I heard him call,
I turned my back and left it all,
I could not stay another day,
to laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
I found that place at the close of day.
If my parting has left a void.
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah yes, these things, I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow.
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I savored much.
Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all to brief.
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me.
God wanted me now, He set me free."
AUTHOR UNKNOWN