44: Dandelion Wine, 1957, by Ray Bradbury (1920–2012)
The first page caught me—quickly so.
Yes, Douglas Spaulding, 12 years old—
The summer—all he’d learn and know—
The warmth of humans—and the cold.
And so I read it—several times—
Then gave it to my students, too.
They loved his kindnesses, his “crimes.”
They followed all the things he’d do.
My copy’s very battered now*—
It had such long and loving use.
So buy the book (I don’t care how!)—
And read it quickly—no excuse.
And you will love this gentle tale
Of growing, coming into age.
So many other books will pale
As you slide through each artful page.
We saw the author years ago
In Akron**—such an evening treat.
He didn’t live much longer, no.
Death gives to each the last defeat.
*see pic
**April 13, 2000
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