Back To Diablo Poem by Bill Galvin

Saturday, May 9 - Mount Diablo State Park, CA

Driving up North Gate Road to Summit Road
To arrive at Juniper Campground,
Highest on the mountain, at 3000’, with the best views.
The day is seasonably warm, but hazy,
So long distance sights are limited.
From the sea to Diablo Valley
A nice breeze blows up the hillsides.
There are as many bold bicyclists as last month,
When your sister Denise, Michael, and I came up here
To leave your beautiful locks in our Reunion # 17.
This place, so influential, so symbolic, so illustrative
Of your early and giant steps toward forming
That intrepid, dauntless, lion-hearted character
We all learned to respect, love, and admire.
A character worthy of great eulogy;
And long and great eulogy there was, back in February,
When you acquiesced in your final battle with ALS.

Back in April, there was virtually no one here.
Today the Park campgrounds are open,
And the site we chose for your reunion with Nature
Was occupied; as were all the close by sites with views.
So, I could not assume your locks were undisturbed,
But, I know we selected a secure spot
Away from eyes and feet; and am confident
That the area will always remain as we left it.
At first disappointed I could not sit by you,
I see and hear friendly and happy families
And young lovers occupying the sites, and it pleases me.
I’m here in May as you were,
And I recall a line in a letter of yours
Saying you camped by families for security.
It’s a nice place filled with nice people.
There are stakes being hammered into ground;
Tents being set up; camp stoves being lighted;
Hikers setting out onto sunny trails.
It all reminds me of our halcyon days;
Days of camping, hiking, exploring, breathing clean air,
Living and loving in tents.
They are good memories.

I found parking nearby the site; I walk to an overlook;
The same view as from where I wanted to be;
At a junction of trails below the camp,
A hundred feet or so from where you camped and reside.
I exchange greetings with a few young hikers.

My feelings climbing this steep, winding road
Were full of anxiety, and thoughts were phobic,
Whether compounded by my need to be
With your spirit alone up here, I don’t know.
My stomach hurt, my head ached;
And part way up, after a few cliff edge curves,
I took a break at about 2500 feet, and I asked you
To channel me some strength;
And here I sit, calm, quiet, writing these thoughts,
In the shade, with the remarkable view
You enjoyed over 35 years ago.
I was always so much stronger with you at my side.

I hear the bird songs; I hear respectful camp sounds.
We knew these songs and sounds well.
We set up a great camp together, Partner.

Life was so much more meaningful, then.
I just don’t know what the future will bring;
But it will be hollow, no matter what;
I don’t know how long we’ll be apart,
But it will be too long, no matter what.

I miss you so much, Honey Pie…
Especially that great laugh,
And that simply perfect smile.

5-9-2015