Somehow, it is fitting
that I have forgotten
that title of office
by which my peers and I
addressed him twice-weekly,
"Professor So-and-So,"
the name that,
to us,
summed him up.
For, in the moment that
hot brakes squealed
and God drew his soul
up through the atmosphere
like a rubber band being snapped,
he was Eric.
Eric, his widow no doubt whispered,
as she kissed his brow
for the last time
on this earth.
[Author's note: His departure from us was untimely and incredibly sad. I wish I could thank him for the things he taught me, not only those things he had to teach, but also the ones he chose to teach. I will always cherish the opportunity I had, to be one of his last students before he returned to doing what he loved. Those who can, do, and those who can't, teach. And those who are extraordinary, do both, as he did. Professor, I hope to see you on the other side.]
