These two poems were sent to me by a friend and I have decided to share them with all of you. The song you are listening to is "Angels Among Us" by Alabama. If you do not wish to listen to the music, simply hit the "stop" button.
A Letter From Dale
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 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 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."
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 me 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, 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 every one. About that I will not lie.
But as long as you remember me - I didn't really die.
The Heaven 500
The Heaven 500 was just getting
started,
an all-star race, for the racing
departed.
Heroes of the track, with nerves like
steel,
and sitting on the pole was a cat named
Neil.
Adam Petty was there, with his beautiful
smile,
Kenny Irwin, determined to finish in
style.
Lee Petty was glowing, with
grandfatherly pride,
with Davey and Clifford, each had a new
ride.
Fireball Roberts floated in on a
cloud,
while Tony Roper waved to the Heavenly
crowd.
Morosso and Nemechek, then Tim Richmond
appeared,
Kulwicki strapped in while the racing fans
cheered.
The honorary starter, for this Heavenly
race,
Ralph Earnhardt was chosen, a tear on
his face,
but the red flag flew even before it had
begun,
with every eye, wide open, and looking to
the SUN.
A last minute entry was the cause of
delay,
while the fans were instructed to kneel
and pray.
The Heavens turned black, and the clouds
turned dark,
the lightning was brilliant, the thunder
did bark.
Then out of the rumble, for all there
to see,
the clouds formed a number, a black
number 3.
The Heavenly fans then erupted with
pride
and welcomed this star who had recently
died.
On a bolt of lightning, Dale Earnhardt
arrived,
as he stood before Jesus, his spirits
revived.
Jesus hugged his precious child, then revealed
his perfect plan.
"I brought you home to let you know, I'm your
biggest fan!"
As Ralph stood proud, the green flag
flew,
the crowd went wild, and the tension
grew.
And just like Salvation, the admission
was free,
as every eye focused, on the black
number three.
When the checkered flag dropped, no dry
eyes remained,
it was a photo finish, as Jesus
explained.
He said, "There are no losers, on this
Heavenly track.
This was a welcome home party, for The Man
in Black!"
--Author Unknown--
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Copyright 2001 by Dawn's NASCAR Winston Cup Racing