In memory of Dale Earnhardt Sr.

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 and Mike - and holding off the pack.

I was looking toward the front and not really 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 checkered 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."

"Your 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 me on the bumper, and I'd heard His hallowed voice.

So I did as He instructed. I jsut 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 of the other guys I've known.

And they all came to Daytona just to escort me home.

Hey- Congratulations, Mikey! You made a worthy run.

I wish you many, many more. Your 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, Mikey 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 really didn't die.

author unknown.....

Mike Smith Cartoon

from jayski

from Speedvision

from That's Racin

Credit: Tom Donoghue

Credit: John Clark of the Gaston Gazette

Dale Jr, Dale Sr, and Kerry. Credit: Tom Donoghue

from jayski