The following was written by ARMANDO X. Lopez
Poetry From The Pandemic #127
July 24, 2020-Galactic Frontera and the World
#poetryfromthepandemic#galacticfrontera
Eyes Of The Tigers (And Future Longhorns)
For Roberto Elizondo
The last time I saw Roberto I put this photo in his hand.
Today I put that same photo in his wife’s hand.
It is a defining moment frozen in time.
We were academic team warriors and champions.
His son wanted to hear stories.
His wife confirmed what we all loved about him.
He shared his philosophy of life with them.
It is a sturdy border mantra instilled by our parents.
The last time we spoke in person was before the pandemic.
It was an afternoon of reflection and hardy laughs.
Time had predictably taken its toll on our waistlines.
We had few regrets and counted many blessings.
Today Claudia said it best. Roberto lives.
He is in the music that he grooved to.
He is in the music that he danced too.
He is in the stories that we tell about him.
He is in the heart of those he loved.
He is in the spirit of those he befriended.
He is in the memory of those he worked with.
He is the in the souls of those he inspired.
It is hard to accept that he is no longer on this earth.
It is harder to accept that he went too soon.
But to hear his family today brought great joy.
They will tell his story. And he will live on.
