DRAGONSWING II
By Linda Schwartz

Gone..... No not again, different this time. Not dead, missing.

Your place was a wreck, broken glass, message in the dirt on the floor. A clue you'd left for me, knowing I would look for you till the end of time.

I didn't know where to look, I turned to my friend, my brother, Kermit. I knew I needed more help then even he could give. I felt so alone, NO not again. The cop in me said to go back to the scene of the crime.

Slowly I climbed the stairs to your home. The emptiness which greeted me as a I walked down the hallway almost smothered me. I walk around the room, a movement I see from the corner of my eye, my gun is out in an instant. I stop, it's Ryker. Dragonswing, that's it!

I see you lost in darkness. Hang on Pop, help is coming. I hope you can hear me.

I reach you in time to save you and the Dali Lama. I see the look on your face, relief, surprise or both. I'm not sure which, There is no time, gotta get you out of here. Safe.....

"Pop, are you in there?" I call out, unnecessary, I can feel you are here. You are the light, and warmth chasing away the shade and the cold. You come to me, place a hand on my shoulder. I can hear the pride in your voice as you tell me about the "fine Dragonswing I made". I tell you "the next time you allow yourself to be kidnapped, stop by the precinct and pick me up".

We look at each other for a moment, no more words are necessary. I pull you into an embrace as you also put your arms around me. I lean my head against yours and slowly exhale the breath I didn't know I was holding. Relieved your alive. Not alone again! Perhaps you read my thoughts just then, you pat my back. I love you Pop!