Once again, February 22 is just about here. I am re-posting my poem of the same name in memory of Steve and Lynn

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February twenty-two


An angel was summoned in front of God
“You must carry out this deed”
The angel bowed out of respect
‘I’ll do anything you need’

“I’ve created the miracle of life again
and I’ve chosen the perfect home
he’ll grow to protect all I’ve made
around the globe, he shall be known”

“Your job will be to safely see
This child be born unto
The loving parents I did choose
On February twenty two”

‘Who will be the lucky ones’
the angel asked out loud
‘He should only have the very best
he’ll make his parents proud’

“I chose the mom with greatest thought
Not just any mom will do
She’ll share her birthday with the boy
Born on February twenty two”

The angel returned to God to say
He finished his task at hand
‘How happy they were to see his face ~
….to hold his little hands’

They loved to watched the child grow
Into the man God made him be
He is now a wildlife warrior
Protecting creatures by land and sea

It seemed as only a day had passed
When God called the angel again
“You are to return the boy to me
You are to spare him any pain”

The angel thought he had misheard
‘You cannot wish him here
There is so much left for him to do
So many who hold him dear’

“This is the worst part of my job
But you must do exactly as I say
Know not why I do these things
Just rely completely on your faith”

“For there is a greater purpose here
There are many who’ll light the flame
And all who vow to help their land
Will do so in his name”

‘But his soul mate will be broken
And his babies left alone
Who will come to help them
When you call the boy back home’

“The boy was very smart you see
He surrounded himself with gold
He laughed and loved and trusted them
And her, to have and hold”

Trusting his wisdom of all men
The angel set out on his way
It was nearly time to see the boy
And take him far away

The boy looked into the angels eyes
And asked why he has to leave
‘Because my son, it is your time
Your goals have been achieved’

“But what about my family
And the pain they will go through
How will I see my kids grow up
And all the animals at my zoo?”

‘Hold your faith steadfast my boy
The pain will heal with time
You can watch them grow from here
And the zoo will be just fine’

The boy was called into the room
By God, who was inside
He thanked the boy for all he’d done
God’s chest was filled with pride

“I knew your time was limited
I gave you the best in life
I gave the world two little you’s
And a soulmate for a wife”

“You are the champion of all animals
They are sad you had to leave
I told them I was sorry
And to trust me and believe”

“The animals will be protected by
Wildlife warriors many have become
They want to carry on your work
Furthering all that you have done”

“Although you left your family
You still have some up here
There is one who waits to see your face
One that you hold so very dear”

The boy looked across the darkened room
And from the shadows he could see
His mum was waiting with open arms
The boy could barely breathe

He ran to her with teary eyes
Reunited once again
They hugged and smiled and laughed and joked
Remembering back when

If he had to leave his earthly world
Then at least he has his mum
Together they will guide the rest
With two times the love of one

Just then the voice of wisdom
Interrupted the flowing tears
“Of all the decisions I’ve had to make,
this was the hardest in my years”

I shed many tears as I called you back
You have redefined my pride
The ever present conservationist
The entire world is by your side”

“Thank you my children with all my heart”
he spoke with aged grace
the work you started for my dear earth
puts a smile on this old face”

The boy respectfully bowed his head
‘Please no thanks should come my way
you gave me the perfect life and
allowed me to live it everyday’

‘My concern is not for my family
They are strong and will get by
But what about my animals
Who will protect them in the wild’

“The animals are protected
You’ve created the perfect zoo
You’ve left a legacy that will carry on
You’ve left a part of you.”

“I know you will miss your family
They are the legacy I made for you
As for me, the two best miracles
Were born on February twenty two.”


© Sandy Reichenbach 2006 All Rights Reserved.

I thought that was the most amazing poem that I have ever read. I had never read it before so it was my first time. Good job

That poem is beautiful. Its one of my favorites and it really makes me want to cry. I can't believe it his birthday. How sad!!!!

That poem is awesome. I showed it to a couple of my friends and we nearly started crying. That's right up there with "The Crocodiles are Crying" by Rupert McCall.

I just wanted the family to know that I'm praying for them. One of my dreams was to meet Steve. But now I can go and meet his beauitful family. Steve you will be greatly missed.

We Love You Steve!