Fire and Ice

(A prayer for those who died in the Columbia shuttle
disaster and in the avalanche in Canada on the same
weekend)

It took so little time
For seven to come down.
They came down in fire,
And you lifted them in light.

It took so little time
For the other seven to come down.
They came down in ice,
And you lifted them in warmth.

Now the ones left behind
Struggle through the fire
And the ice within their souls,
As you come close to heal them
And lift them up in quiet peace.

So, regardless of the flames and the deadly snow,
Apollo, may we remember and honor
Your transforming energy,
Your healing presence,
And your loving heart.
Forever.

-- Phoebe 2002


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