How can I explain this in mere words, the feelings I hold within in for one I admire, adore, dream, and love? How can I just say out straight what struck me that day when I read upon this very screen of mine what had happened on the other side of the world, the one thing I knew was inevitable for us fellow mortals, and yet I still believed it would never come? I can give it a try though, going through each piece of life for me and how I remembered him then. It is the least I can do, for now.

I first knew Keiko not as Keiko, but Willy. Free Willy, to be exact. I was too young to understand that "Free Willy" was merely the name of the movie title, and not the name of the actual whale. It took me a while, but I figured out that "Willy" was his actual name. I don't remember recieving the video. I've had it all my life, but I remember watching it. (I still do on occasion.) One time, when I was obviously extremely bored, I watched Free Willy three times in a row in one day. Of course, I believe that was when I was...4? Somewhere around there.

I would stare at the screen in wonder, watching the whales leap and twist in the water. I thought they were so cool, and every time I'd be clutching my favorite plush orca toy I got from Santa when I was five years old. I had such an interest in the movies; I'd use the toy to play as Willy through every scene, even making the strange squeaking noises I thought covered for Orca calls. Back then I just "liked" killer whales. I never knew that this one movie would spark my passion for the ocean and all of its inhabitants.

I do, however, remember getting Free Willy II and III. Those two seperate days were exciting, watching them the very moment I had a chance. I recall specifically that a compass with Willy, his mate, and his child engraved on it came with the third in the trilogy. It never worked, of course, but I still have it. The amulet necklace of the orca with the human riding on its back also came with one of the movies. I can't remember which one exactly, but that also still is with me. It hangs on my bed post, while on the opposite side of my bed stands a chair where that same plush toy still sits. This trilogy I still have in my possession, and as long as they still function, I will never be rid of them. If DVD ever should come out, I will search until I have found them, which I am pretty confident some may already exist, but I unfortunately do not know yet of their existence to this date.

It was by following the great story of Willy did I come to the true story that it, sort of, followed. The actual whale in reality, Keiko, and his journey home to the waters of the north Atlantic. I watched a special that'll I'll never forget, and that led to, over time, my knowledge expanding on this great story, only feeding my admiration of the Killer Whale. I grew up to love the sea and ocean and everything in it. I loved to watch specials on the ocean in particular. Seeing sharks play with the camera did not spook me. Sea snakes did not make my skin crawl, and the wonderful rainbow of fish in the various ocean enviroments made my imagination sparkle. The great whales as they sang, breached, tail lobbed, spy hopped, and swam would astound me. I loved watching them, and someday I wished to actually see them without this screen blocking my way.

That day came. One time when I was eight years old, our family took a trip down to Orlando, Florida, and I had the chance to go to Sea World. I got to see another whale I enjoyed: Shamu. Not Keiko, but close. He was also majestic and beautiful, putting on a grand performance. Before the show I pressed my hands against the glass, Shamu coming so close to the glass wall he touched it with me right in front of him. I got to see his eye and face well as he passed. Ever since that day, I knew that this is what I wanted to do when I grew up. I wanted to be with my favorite animal of all time: the Orca.

I am still working my way towards that goal. My motivation is fed by dreams, TV, and many other sorts. Although I've got quite a ways to go, I will not miss my chance. I will someday reach what I dream, I know it. I'm determined enough to try anything, and I am anxiously looking forward to the day when I achieve what I will work so hard for...

Now that dreadful day has passed. Keiko would not last forever, I understood, but I didn't know when. I felt it too soon, but he was in captivity for so long. I was struck deep, and fell into a little depression that lasted about a day or two. Now, however, Keiko's passing no longer mourns me. I am sorrowful, yes, but now I know he is alright. No need to worry what is happening to him currently, or where he is, or how he's doing. Now I rely on my memories, my movies, and my dreams to remember Keiko. This is one thing that, for the forgetful person I am, I will never lose.

Being raised watching Keiko dance gave me the start for my love and passion. He was the one that started my dream. He was the one that started my love, and I want to thank him for doing that for me. Now, what lies in the future, I will try to achieve, and perhaps I can help his kind in the future in order to pay back what he has done for me and for others. His story touched the hearts of millions, not just mine. It is incredible how many people one whale brought together in order to achieve his own personal happiness and freedom. He earned the title of the "world's most popular whale." It is next to impossible now for him to be forgotton, especially when people like you and me are destined to never forget.

So, good-bye my friend. I never saw you, never touched you, nor every heard you on my own, but I still loved you. You inspired me, and I thank you for such a thing. This has promises for me, and perhaps I can be of help and repay you in the future. I'll always have my memories and dreams if I don't have my movies, so you'll always be a permament part on my soul. Thank-you Keiko. I surely miss you, but perhaps I'll still see you myself...someday, unfortunately, but someday.

At this stage in my life, I can, however, do something for you and for others. I can't sketch. It isn't a talent of mine. I could write a song, but I couldn't show it to the public nor have the technology to create the idea I would want for such a piece. But I can write. This is just a small piece for you, Keiko, and I have given it the appropiate title: "Forever Dream."

FOREVER DREAM

I never imagined you weren't immortal,
that you would never die.
I thought that I may someday see you,
but no any more. Now I cry...

I loved to just sit and watch you,
on a screen miles away.
Even though I never actually 'saw' you,
it was good enough for me any day.

I'd love to watch you swim around,
that boy I always would envy.
Telling a story somewhat like a real one,
perhaps I coud be like that boy...I hoped maybe.

I imagined that I was that boy,
be able to touch you and embrace.
To hear you sing and dance and play,
you alone sparked my passion for you race.

I once dreamed about you,
you were in a pool of smaller size.
You offered me a ride on your back,
but I really wasn't that all surprised.

This dream and feeling I'll never forget,
to feel your skin, muscle and fin.
The water rushing past my legs,
I was struck by something within.

I was riding a whale! A killer whale!
This experience I thought and could feel.
After I awoke, I refused to believe,
that something like that wasn't real.

However, that was only just a dream,
only beheld in my eyes.
When I awoke, it all disappeared,
like my dream, you too, have died.

No, let me change that. I remember that dream,
one I'll never forget.
My memory of you will never go dim,
and I'm not done dreaming yet.

Here you'll always be remembered,
in my heart you'll never truly die.
I'll forever dream about the stanger I loved,
and forever, Keiko, I'll try.

I'll try to achieve what you inspired for me,
I calm and stop my cry.
I'll forever dream about the whale,
whose own dream never died.

 

-For Keiko
Never stop dreaming

Samantha

 

All materials expressed here, image, writings and otherwise are copyrighted to the owner of this tribute, and may not be used without prior consent of the owner, Samantha.