Wind Riders

riders of the wind assemble
in colors of the night
black and gray
red and purple
inside wing suits they wear
soaring high and low
curving left and right
tumbling and turning as if
there is no end in sight...
riders of the wind gather
showing no feelings or fear
leaving family and friends
behind to collect the mail,
pay the bills and water the
plants and feed the cats...
riders of the wind unite
in freefall ceremonies of a
time long since departed
when skies held only birds
and the currents were strong
at certain altitudes not yet
reached by man of any sort...
riders of the wind survivors
remember little of that day
what happened perhaps
or what did not,
and when all was done and
darkness covered the land,
there were no riders in the sky
or on the ground, disappearing
into that which we could see.

March 23, 2024