After his birthday strange news we heard.
Fragments of data - borderline absurd.
It couldn't be him. No! Not our Steve!
Unfolding events too surreal to believe.
Taking a shortcut? Did his car break down?
Not his backyard tracks, but across town?
How can this happen? None of us could see.
Steve? Hit by a train? How on earth can this be?
People at work by the dozens they cried.
Reporters got it wrong! The media - it lied.
So many countless tears did at once flow.
Who was this man everyone loved so?
Very active was Steve in church and community.
A true family man, with wife and daughters three.
Strong ties to his uncle, a priest..his sister a nun.
He was an awesome volleyball coach just for fun.
On the job, he knew the systems… all ins and outs.
His insights, guidance, and leadership left no doubts.
In meetings and on projects, his concerns were heard.
A supportive jovial man, with always a kind word.
I marveled that secret power over people which he met.
Everyone knew his smile and laugh - not easy to forget.
Everyone he met was another friend he made.
How can his wisdom and kindness be repaid?
Two huge parking lots the solemn cars did overfill.
Viewing line encircled in the outside winter's chill.
Hundreds people came from many miles around.
They praised, mourned, and sobbed a soft sound.
In days that followed, good memories were shared.
His wonderful stories were retold and compared.
He is remembered. All knew him well in the end.
Well… Here is to Steve Brookes, a man we call friend.
* Stephen A. Brookes was my supervisor for just a few short weeks. He died 4 January 2006. The coroner rulled it a suicide... None of us could ever figure out why.
Zen Bojczuk
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/strange-news/
