For Decano Arno

At  the beginning of June, we had a tragic drowning accident in our home town.  I wrote this poem to show my support of the family:

          Summer hadn't really started,
            but spring was fading away and
              surrendering to warmer days causing
          the once ice covered river to become
              a rushing, but an inviting swimming area
                to those brave enough to be the first
          of the season to tackle the deep and cold
               waters the river had to offer.
                  Youth, in its unending bravery, and its
            "It  never could happen to me." attitude
                 enticed the young people to conquer summer's
                    first of many challenges.
              The result was tragic for a seventeen year
                  old young man who in his attempt to
                     save the life of a friend in trouble, lost
               his own life, for the river would not be denied.
                   A young mother, a twin brother and a
                      grateful town can only now cherish the
               memories that Decano left behind.