By: Lisa Matthis

The sun was bright and the skies were blue on that February day
The drivers and the teams were ready to roll, to their cars they made their way.
No one there would have thought how sad that beautiful day would end
That we would have to say good-bye to a favorite driver and a friend.

The race was on, the cars were fast, the competition was very hot.
Who would win, and get to stand in Daytona’s coveted spot?
The crowd was a sea of black and red cheering for the father and son
Who would have thought they’d be on their knees, when this awesome race was done.

I can still remember that vivid scene, it brings a tear into my eyes
Watching the son running to find his dad, not knowing the what’s or the why’s
The tears were flowing in the stands, like the rain falls from the sky
We didn’t know for quite a while that we would have to say good-bye.

I do believe when the rain comes down, that the sun will shine again
We all miss that man in black, he was family and a friend
But I can almost feel his presence now, his pride and soul beaming from heaven’s door
For the son did shine again, at the track by Daytona’s shore.

(C)Lisa Matthis

(R)Ashley's Palace

Find more of Lisa's poems at: www.lmrn4jr.com