Cheam

a poem written for Andy by his brother Richard

photo by Halsask @ GEO snapper

Heading east out of Vancouver Mount Cheam and Lady Bird Loom high into the distance. Passing through Chilliwack On Canada's highway #1 As I pass the Mountains base Slightly East of Bridal Falls. Looking out the car window I look high up to the peak And my memories take me back To you and the days of our youth. Days when on any given weekend You would find me high Staring down from atop those peaks. I remember the ascent from here Up the logging road across Mountain streams, the scramble up On to the ridge and the long Walk and climb up on to the peak. I see you bending over Drinking from the last stream. I can see you racing me Up to reach the peak first. Sitting we would look Six thousand feet below Out across the Fraser Valley, And watch the river below Talking about the years ahead. Then the race down the mountain A sprint at best, a tumble, A shortcut down a slash, Whatever it took to win The race to the valley floor. At the end we would talk About the next climb and win. The car heads into the town of Hope Nestled between mountains Along the flowing Fraser. I raise my head to see where You used to live and work, And smile at how you loved your piece Of heaven here, the mountains, and flowing river. The car turns into the gate and Pulls to a slow stop. Getting out I make my way Slowly to your place of rest. Looking down with tears streaming I smile at the thought of you High on top of Mt. Cheam The words I wanted to say Don't flow as easy as the river, But I think you know brother That I loved you and I miss you And I am forever grateful For that last race down the mountain When you let me, your younger brother win.