About the Poem
Dennis had been my friend for many years and now he had cancer and was dying. His chemotherapy was predictably causing hair loss. He was concerned about this and called me from his home in central Florida and asked me to get him an FSU cap. He also asked that I not make too much of his illness to his friends in Tallahassee. Tallahassee has two state universities, Florida State (the Seminoles) and Florida A&M (The
Rattlers). I sent him a cap and this poem.
ed. note...Jean Luc Picard and Wayne Dickey have fine bald heads, as does the author. Dennis wore the hat for several months before he passed away.
A Last Gift For Dennis |
| by Fred Hobbs |
| It really seemed so easy I didn't hesitate A chance to help a buddy A fan of Florida State It started out when Dennis A friend of whom I'm proud Grew weary of just being A face among the crowd "I'm tired of my hairstyle" He told me one fine day "I'm getting kinda tired Of hiding all this gray" "I've thought a lot about it I've been thinking very hard And I believe I'll copy That dude Jean Luc Picard" "But old Jean Luc's a baldy!" I said in disbelief "A bird without a feather A tree without a leaf" "I know it will be different" He told me with a smile "But soon you'll grow to like it It just might take a while" I said "One thing concerns me About your move so bold For you may find come winter That your cranium gets cold" "Just look at ol' Wayne Dickey Ain't had a hair in years I'll bet that in December There's frost between those ears" He thought for just a moment Then said "here's what to do Go buy for me a ballcap From good ol' FSU" Now I'm from Tallahassee Where the Seminoles stand tall To find a cap from FSU I'd just go to the mall The store I can't identify I have to be discreet But the name refers to lockers And also mentions feet The clerk walked over to me A turban on his head And if that didn't clue me His name tag said Ahmed "Oh please to let me help you" He said pointing to my shoe "I'm looking for a hat" I said "A hat from FSU" "A hat, oh yes, oh very good Please come with me this way" He handed me a baseball bat "Now please you come to pay" "Ahmed, a hat I wish to buy It's for my old friend Dennis" He handed me a Wilson Pro "This bat for playing tennis" He wondered in confusion As I just shook my head Then reached around and handed me A hockey stick instead "A hat! A hat!" I pointed To the turban on his head "Oh no! Oh no, is not for sale You buy a cap instead" He led me to the corner Where caps hung on display I grabbed a cap from FSU And started off to pay. But Ahmed grabbed my shoulder I tried to break away He held on to me tighter I thought he might be gay "This cap cost many dollars I think you should not buy Instead I think this other one More better you should try" I grabbed the one he offered I never looked at all I handed him my money And walked out to the mall Much later in the evening When I was all alone I finally looked inside the bag And then picked up the phone I started to call Dennis To ask him if he'd mind That his new hat from FSU Was now some other kind But then I got to thinking No Dennis would not care He only wanted something Because he had no hair And so my buddy Dennis I hope you do not pale 'Cause old Chief Osceola Has some rattles on his tail. |
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4 Visitor Comments
Ranea
What a wonderful tribute to a friend. If only all people could be so blessed as to have such a caring friend.
Faye
Too Cute!!
Daughter
You've got a great talent and a heart that's even greater!
Ruth
Excellent treatment of a difficult issue with humour.
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