#usfsa

I wanted to write something to remember those lost on Flight 5342. As a skater myself this whole event has really shaken me and my heart goes out to those who were personally affected, to the families who are no longer whole, and to all the people who are no longer with us. This poem is for them.

How does one mourn over 60 people?

People who just like you had lives and dreams

Families and passions

Over 60 people who had loved ones waiting for them to come home

Over 60 people who were almost home

Over 60 people who suddenly were gone. 

How does one mourn for people they haven’t met?

People who we only see on the news

People we only read about in articles

People who were skaters, athletes, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters and mothers and fathers

Just like us. 

We mourn because they were human, just like us

Because they were alive and loved and beautiful

Full of talent and passion

Hopes and dreams and ever growing curiosity

The future of a nation

The people of a nation

All snuffed out in an instant

Returned to stardust. 

We carry their memory with us all

And maybe our togetherness, our community

Will make this festering burden ache a little less. 

Grief is endless

And we will never truly heal

The world shakes at this loss and we will feel the vibrations for forever

But new layers will eventually form

And that grief will eventually callous

And hurt a little less. 

Someday, those who are left behind will also return to stardust

What’s a mob to a king?

What’s a king to a god?

What’s a god to a non-believer?

Finally some promotion from USFSA. Also finally a decent photo shoot.