Once again I mistake a school bus
for a yellow stenographer’s pad,
my pencil for a mountain
on the head of a pin
writing whimsical names
for children who have ridden
through life without fanfare
and arrived at the end with a smile.
T-Willy who had warts on his hand
no one would touch.
Jimmie-the-Hoser with a spigot in his yard
he claimed was the fountain of youth.
Lindi-o-Lindi the girl I once loved
and remains young forever,
the birthmark I kissed on her forehead
describing a continent yet to be found.
The driver we called, Get-Me-There-Dan
who called me Too-Shy-to-Dance.
His answer to life- gentle waves
for hello and goodbye.
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Dale Patterson was a member of Open Arts Forum for six years. An alumnus of Taylor University and Indiana University, Dale was deeply engaged in the arts and education community. His passions extended beyond the classroom to his personal interests in art, poetry, fishing, music, and sports, and especially events involving his children and grandchildren. He passed away on October 19, 2025 at the age of 76.
