For Ramona was written for my sister. Of all my siblings, she was the best and brightest of us. We lost her quite tragically, several years ago. Ramona’s zeal and love for life were legendary. Whether it was bungee jumping, shaking it on stage with Meat Loaf, or beating the dickens out of some 300 pound bully in a bar (impressive feat for a 5’2”, 105 lb blonde), she was always the heart and soul of any party. To this day, whenever I hear one of her favorite karaoke songs on the radio (her ad-libbed rendition of Werewolves of London was a particular classic) it inevitably brings a sad smile to my face.
Ramona had always possessed a burning desire to write romance novels. Unfortunately, she never got the chance. And, although our tastes in genres differ drastically, I think my own fervor for writing is, at least in part, inspired by hers having been so cruelly denied.
That being said, Kronos Rising is dedicated to my sister.
This one’s for you, Mony.
-David E. Spletzer
FOR RAMONA By David E. Spletzer
They say tears fall from heaven when a star falls from the skies.
And, in the silence that follows, you can hear the angels cry.
Some souls they last forever - others streak cross the skies,
But they leave behind such emptiness when they’re taken from our lives.
Our sister was the greatest, from the beginning to the end.
What can I say about the person who was our closest friend?
Mony was all that’s best in women. She epitomized style and class.
Though, if you wore shoes in her house, she and Ninner’d kick your ass!
She lived life to the fullest, no matter what the odds.
How many girls do you know name their BMW after a Greek god?
Mony was great at making money, but didn’t need it to impress.
She’d look like a million dollars in a four dollar thrift store dress.
She loved working on her house, her energy put most to shame.
I heard the guys at Home Depot all called her by her name.
Mony was daring and adventurous, her father’s pride and joy,
From karaoke to skydiving, he’d just smile and say ‘Oh boy!’
She kept herself so busy, yet always made time for kin.
Her breaks were well-deserved, in the hot tub with a Heineken.
Lastly, Mony loved to travel, through Europe, nigh to Russia.
But, back home, if you asked her neighbors, she put the ‘king’ in King of Prussia.
Now, suddenly she’s left us, and our lives won’t be the same.
We’ll never have the pleasure of seeing her again.
We never thought we’d lose her, and we’re sickened by the loss.
Our lives are that much blander without the spice that makes life’s sauce.
Sure, tears may pour from heaven when a star falls from the sky,
But when I scream up to those heavens I can’t help but ask them ‘why?’
Ramona, wherever you are, your family’s here for you.
And, until we’re dead and gone, we’ll be loving and remembering you.
Warrior’s Legacy was originally published in IronMan magazine, back in 1999. It was written at a time when I was heavily into (or, perhaps obsessed with) bodybuilding and strength training. The poem is an attempt at characterizing the modern-day athlete’s lifelong attempt at staving off the aging process by shaping and maintaining their physique.
-David E. Spletzer
WARRIOR’S LEGACY By David E. Spletzer
My chest on fire, I stride the floor,
Each breath a raging, guttural roar.
I pit my strength against the rack,
Until it feels my bones must crack.
My muscles clench like bands of steel.
No metal withstands the pain I feel.
Yet on I press, nor dare to tire,
Immerse myself within the fire,
The final product I shall reveal,
Forged in iron, sweat and steel.
Both day and night, with ne’er a lapse,
I drive myself until collapse.
A brief respite, the fight resumes.
Its thunder echoes throughout the rooms.
Both main and might at last are mine,
Yet, like all things, must fade in time.
While hoary frost betrays my years,
Through all the laughter, joy and tears,
I’ll win the day midst all the strife,
In that greatest of adventures,
Known, as life.