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Eric Soares: August 1, 1953 – February 1, 2012

Kayak Brother Second to None -Eric Soares at Sea Ranch
Kayak Brother Second to None – Eric Soares at Sea Ranch

Kayak Brother
by Tsunami Ranger Commander Michael Powers

He was drawn to the sea
Like a child to Great Mother’s knee

For years he lingered by her shore
Entranced by her power and learning her lore

Then one fateful day he beheld
A swift primal form by the waves propelled

There a kayaker danced, fearless and free
Calling his landlocked soul to the sea

He sought and soon found
A noble craft with which to bound

Away at least from that ancient shore
Out into this world that promised more

And unseen within the great surging sea
A kayak brother came to be

Out there among the waves and the sky
He found others called by the spirit’s cry

Strong, wild and free they were
Life’s storms and adventures did they endure

Until at long last, Kayak Brother grew old
Felt in his soul a new longing grow bold

Then one day when all his clan
By the shore were gathered as sunset began

He walked to the sea with a gaze sublime
Slipped into his kayak that final time

Without fear, he sped from land
Straight towards a wave so great and grand

Great Mother came, wall of thundering water
Rushing to greet he who sought her

Where they met, the wave suddenly parted
And through the gap his kayak darted

To those who loved him on the shore
Came a cry of freedom, then no more

Even now from time to time
When the waves grow great and green as lime

He can be seen, far, far out there
All glistening strength with glistening hair

Paddle flashing in the sun
A Kayak Brother, second to none

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Comments

  3. Nancy Soares says

    Thanks for commenting, Scott and Micaila. So glad I found this poem by Michael in the archives. He wrote it back in 1986. Prophetic? Lots of love to you both.

    Reply

  4. Janice Shaw says

    What a wonderful tribute from a special man. Thanks for sharing it and for the healing time you both offered me at a difficult time when my beloved daughter was hurting and me with her.

    Reply

    • Nancy Soares says

      Hi Janice, thanks for your comment. It’s good to know that Eric and I could be of help. I know that was a tough time for you. Rebekah continues to be a great support to me now that Eric’s gone – she’s my closest kayaking buddy and my desert companion and I’m grateful.

      Reply

  5. Lyrinda Snyderman says

    Nancy, I am so sorry for your loss. He was way too young to go. I just read Tim Cahill’s story on Eric in Pass the Butterworms and had to contact you. Please accept my deepest sympathies.

    Reply

    • Nancy Soares says

      Thanks, Lyrinda. Yeah, it was tough. It still is. But thanks to friends and family who have come forward hugely to help I am making it. Life is good and I can still love and be loved. I really appreciate your comment 🙂

      Reply

  6. Kevin says

    My condolences to Dr. Soares family. I was a student of his at Cal-State and he was the best teacher I ever had, and I am honored to have been in his classes. I have never forgotten the General Motors internship program and his many kayak story. He once told us that the Rangers were kayaking along the coast of Oregon and stopped and has fresh salmon. According to him they were feasting on the fresh salmon unaware that a bear was interested in their meal and walked into their camp area . He said they finally saw it and yelled “bear!” covered in salmon . RIP Eric

    Reply

    • Nancy Soares says

      Hi Kevin, thanks for commenting. I love it that I still hear stories about Eric from his friends and students. He was all about storytelling. He was one of the best story tellers I’ve known. I hope you’re doing well and keeping alive the generosity and enthusiasm that Eric offered to the world 🙂

      Reply

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