Tribute to Robert A. Good

Excerpt

“When I was young we walked

through the wooded fields

near the tall trees close to the night,

when the loon sang distant songs.

Other times when was cold

the winter evenings with the bright snow

and the moon giving certain blue taint

showed lights covering the ground.

But, it was at dawn when often

we shared precious moments

of excitement and inquiry; new questions

and the challenge for answers.

We have all been there

and again we are here,

a gathering of the young and not so young

with binding forces like chains.

Today, we celebrate his life

one half a century, a triumph.

A natural contingency,

a miraculous chance.

Time, many years passed

and our feelings are unchanged.

If I should live once more

I should like to come across

your path face to face

as we did more than 35 years ago (now 44).

And, I will see again your smile

to follow your example to be matched.

And we will stretch our hands

across the sea to seek a happy moment,

a continuing wish while our innermost

will move in space and hope.

Fifty years and more will come

and, when we meet again

we shall look at the sea,

and the warm breeze near our faces

with invisible birds above,

will fly together unfinished trips

beyond shadows and winds.

Bob once told me: ‘do not fear

to climb mountains

because the air above is thin

and a few can remain”.

The temple of knowledge

is not inside but at the door (Adapted from Goethe).

Then I asked, ‘Why should a man walk

long distances to begin anew?

I stopped him, thought he needed a rest.

Responded,

‘I hold this torch while burning,

it is mine to keep.

Why to slow down

when there is much ahead?

Life goes on and so does this burning

as I continue my hunting of dreams,

and at new dawns will see the lights

of past days and new lights.

I will build new castles and new lanterns

and will look for new days.

But, at times like today I will look back

to observe plains, valleys and mountains,

my kin, and many that were with me

and will always remain at my side.

My job is not finished yet

and I fear it will never be.

Moments like today can fuel the light

that maintain our goal!’

Our hearts trembled and our bindings

are strong with links untouched.

You know those sounds, that voice,

his voice, our voice, our moments of joy

as we share today everything contained

in the words friendship and love.

Then a toast to Robert, the scientist

our friend, the teacher and the physician.