Inspiration flows in many forms
Sprouts amid gushers of dreams
Affable charisma shone beacon bright
In this Impish mass of a man

Bow tied Blue Eyed Devilish gleam
Innovative risk taker
Who taught that fun was in the challenge
While he grinned out loud "We Never had it so good"

A Master of creative discomfort
He by force of will inspired us to do more
Than we thought ourselves capable
While questions of how were answered with "Improvise"

His teachings made us problem solvers supreme
We learned to try and find a path
Even when there was no marked trail
Surprise adventure and that acetylene torch burn of success

Surpassed only by memories of a young man child
Who did not know what the adventures taught
Until life’s travails and conflicts
Became the ultimate measure of resilience

Mountainous walks in the Appalachian clear air
Bicycle romps amid European villages
English pubs errant darts and Hyde Park Espouse
The virtues of being 16 in a pub
Bugs island February skinny dipping
Eggs plate frozen on a frigid March day

Images clear as if I was still there
Whilst the boisterous shout rings clear
Where only I can hear
"Improvise, you’ll find a way"
"You never had it so Good!!!!"

11/21/2006