For a Friend Who Survived

What was it like in the helicopter
flying you to care that could save
your life; bypassing death

on a wing and a prayer, you flew
with someone else in control
your beloved remaining on the ground

below unable to travel your life flight
over the snow-banked hills
passively silent as you whirred above.

Is this heaven? you asked.
The nurse replied, Heaven
is up ahead. You just hang on.