April 9, 1953 - July 22, 2023
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| Together, at last. With Barbie. (photo by R. Freyholtz) |
Brum, are you ready yet?
We sit on damp grass kissed by the morning sun, we wait, we watch.
You emerge from your tent, sleepy, blinking,
Mouth slightly open as if to suck
the morning air, a hand stroking your bald pate
Sorting your gear, slowly putting things into place, and a place for every thing.
As we wait, we recollect the road behind is well-traveled.
Of laboratories and students,
rapt for the conversations,
wrapped in their learning.
We are your students, too
The laws of physics applied to our
bikes
When in motion, stay in motion.
Of your stories from Antarctica
The blame for your nocturnal
sleeplessness
Against the long, cold nights and
endless days.
What was it really like?
It must have been magnificent. . .
Of the starry night skies
Your red headlamp lighting a star
chart
We sat, quietly pondering the
cosmos
Even once while skinny dipping in
Lake Michigan
The inky blackness of sea and sky merged,
twinkling.
Still packing up I see. We wait.
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| Could have been anywhere! |
You listen to our bikes,
suggesting an issue
Studying the geometry, cadence, and rhythm
You suggest a change to this part
or that
Maybe you have three to give
Along with endless mechanical
knowledge
Also, general knowledge of this or
that
Ever an answer, thought, or
explanation
On such a range of seemingly
arcane subjects
Leaving us to wonder
How do you know so much?
As a bicyclist, we know you so well
Awaiting you to emerge and
proclaim
“I don’t think I can today . .
.”
Your strength, grit, and
endurance prevail
Steady and determined, you finish
your own way.
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| Circling Crater Lake Together "an epic ride, Hilger" |
Suddenly, you're gone. You left without us!
Where did you go as we waited to
start?
Did you slip out ahead whilst we
pondered the past?
Did you need a head start to show
us the way?
Did you need to power the peloton
ahead,
Splitting the headwinds destined
for us?
It’s quiet now. You’re gone. Wistfully sad. . .
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| Scanning the way ahead . . . |
Oh, we believe to know where you
do pedal now
Rising up to circle the stars,
your stars!
No headwinds to buck, only solar
tailwinds from aft
A perfect glide through the
heavenly cosmos
You’re in your place, in peace, no
pain.
You lead the pack now; we’ll follow in time
The road was well traveled with
you at our side
We roll along and reflect on your
life
A life well lived and well-loved
We’ll catch up, all too soon!
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| Goodbye, Brum. Seeya around the cosmos! (photo by Paul Gronhovd) |
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