The Eagle

I was glad the space shuttle returned home without incident last week. I clearly remember the day the Challenger exploded just after takeoff on a cold January morning in 1986. We had been working on a song called "The Storm Brings Out the Eagle". I was working evenings then so I was home until early afternoon. Jilda's mom Ruby called sobbing saying "that thang blew up, that thang blew up!" At first I had no idea what she was saying. I wasn't sure if she meant something in their house but she managed to tell me to turn on the television. Like so many Americans, I was in shock. They were running a video of the astronauts smiling broadly and waving to the cameras. The next clip showed the terrible explosion. I was saddened and depressed for days afterwards.
Jilda and I completed the song a short time later.

When the horizon fills
With clouds of the storm
Small birds seek their refuge
When the thunder rolls
and the wind is borne
The weak await the deluge
Chorus
But the storm brings out the eagle
To challenge the wind and the clouds
The storm brings out the eagle
Soaring high and free and proud
Defiantly face the fury
Determined to see it through
May all the storms of your life
Bring out the eagle in you

When your trials are many
Your triumphs are few
And your fire is down to an ember
When your spirit is weary
You're lost and confused
There's one thing that you should remember
Repeat chorus

A friend of ours recently pitched this song to an organization that is putting together a benefit CD for victims of Katrina.
I hope it takes wings and helps to raise money for those who are less fortunate.