Flying without a Net

Dear Danny,

We are at a State Fair Carnival. You remember those, don't you? The candied apples, popcorn, cotton candy, kids screaming, and teenagers holding hands. Your lyrics knew the bloom of young love.

When your band 'Steel Velvet' played, I knew each song was written just for me.
Your lead guitar riffs made my knees weak. I was fire and then ice melting at your feet.
All the little girls thought you were singing to them. I knew better.

I remember us in love; so crazy into each other. The carnival lights and 'Tunnel of Love' ride made our fantasy life bigger and brighter.

"Danny, tell me again what will our life be like?" I would ask with a plea.

"I will be a Rock God. People will come from places far away to hear me play."

"So we will have lots of money, a house, and kids?"

"Yea, babe, whatever you say."

Our life was like a wild fair. The magical medicine chest, "Try this, babe, it will make you mellow."

Then we'd fight, and life became tilted mirrored rooms. I never was quite sure if it was me, you, or our insane combination.

We'd ride into that haunted house, make love, then exit laughing on the other side.
Like starting at the bottom of a roller coaster, climbing the hills, groaning against tough times.

Then the check from the gig would come in and we'd go on buying sprees. The rush, exhilarated feelings, all took my breath away.

I walked a balance beam, not too far to the left or right. I was always afraid. I knew we would fall and I prayed there would be a cushion, an easy bounce back.

Then along came the ultimate test and since you couldn't grow up; I had to.

These are better days; the highs aren't peaks and the lows I take with grace. I bring sparkling images out of dreams, into the sunlight and claim them for myself.

I have learned to plan a safe future. Some days I juggle to keep the best ahead. One thing I do know, I learn from mistakes.

Peggy is three now. She is a beautiful combination of your soulful eyes and my out of control auburn hair.

Tonight she and I will ride the ferris wheel, eat cotton candy, and laugh. We have angels on our side.

Take care,
Linda


By Kathie Stehr