IN MEMORIAM OF JOHN F. KENNEDY JR

I wrote this poem after John Kennedy Jr was tragically killed in a plane crash in 1999.  It was given to Senator Ted Kennedy, who appreciated it very much.  I'd like to share it with you.

FOR JOHN-JOHN KENNEDY                                                       

One starless, hazy summer night,
Our younger prince of Camelot
so blessed, so pained,
with optimism cursed.
Unbelieving word was passed
that he was lost in flight.

Soaring to Hyannis
Earth, sea, and sky melted together in
celestial clock,
covering our prince,
sending him falling...quickly and quietly.
Not Cape Cod,
but heaven's Gate.
Jack and Jackie
surprised and saddened to see their boy so soon.

Eager to share his gifts,
and so much yet to share,
there must be truth in fable,
Dreamers often die so that their dreams may live.

Now this nation cries in grief again,
and longs for things that might have been.
Don't cease the quest for Camelot...
Everything that passes,
Someday comes again.

copyright 1999 by Sharon Bell-Horodyski