Bernard Pozier wrote an excellent poem dedicated to The Rocket that was published in the Gazette shortly after Mr.Richard passed away. I have reposted it here for those of you who may have missed it.
 

The Final Rush of Maurice Richard

                   For one last time

                   with fire in your eyes

                   you take the puck at centre ice

                   driving hard with your legs

                   you skate straight ahead

                   as swiftly as you can

                   but as you cross the enemy's blue line

                   suddenly you no longer see the goalie

                   the net disappears

                   the boards open wide, a

                   welcome gate to freedom

                   and you escape the arena

                   to the rivers of your youth

                   and for hours, until the crowd is gone

                   only night and silence remain

                   the puck on your palette

                   you skate forever without end

                   on the endless ice of our memory

                   until we all fade away

                   and you breathe the pure air

                   the absolute joy of skating alone

                   eyes in the heavens

                   without rumour, or goal

                   free of all that hinders you

                   Bernard Pozier,

                   May 2000
 

I was never lucky enough to see the great Mr.Richard play. But even from just watching highlights of his career one can tell just how special he was. What kind of emotion and determination he brought to the game. Once he was set on doing something, no one was going to stop him. I was only in the same arena with him once, in the small Verdun Auditorium, which is located in a suburb on the island of Montreal about a 1/2 hour from the Forum where The Rocket brought the crowd to its feet night after night for so many years. He was honorary captain that night for an old timers game and when his name was announced he once again brought the crowd to its feet, even if we were only a few thousand people. Watching him from across the ice you could immediately sense that you were watching a living legend. I doubt that anyone will ever do as much for hockey in Montreal as he did. Thank you Mr.Richard.