To Geoffrey

There once was a train that would run on its track
Its engine up front and caboose at the back.
It would clip right along with a clickety-clack
No matter the weather or season.

The caboose got an idea stuck in his head
Why do they drag me along like I’m dead?
The engine should let me lead out instead.
He couldn’t come up with a reason.
To lead the train—that would be treason.

There once was a totem pole stacked high with critters
The bear was a stander, the others were sitters
An eagle on top had a case of the jitters
As he balanced way up in the air.

I wish I could fly, he thought in his head.
Why do I just sit like a lump of lead?
I wish I could spread out my wood wings instead
But he stayed in his place way up there,
His painted eyes fixed in a stare.

There once was a boy in a family of five,
The youngest—he had a strong will to survive
And not just to live, but to break free and thrive
No matter what anyone said.

He was first (and the only) with an advanced degree,
The first to Caracas, the first to Turkey.
He tried out his wings and they let him fly free
O’er a vast world, so beautifully spread.
I sense there are good days ahead.