A Passing Smile


Did he strut the world-wide stage
wielding power to save or kill?
No, but he touched a power without rage
that lies deep within us still

Was science his domain
of truth, certain, sure, without doubt?
No, but he treated cant and bias with disdain
that a sense of the absurd might flow out

Was he a thinker, a philosopher so wise
clever thoughts with clever words revealed?
No, but he touched many hearts without lies
to better selves and honesty appealed

Was he doctor, lawyer, or teacher hired
to save or serve or pass on the ways of man?
No, but his work a sense of fun inspired
and throughout, laughter, healing ran

Was he perhaps a priest to show the proper path
or higher still, a king, a queen, or better still a god?
No, with sublime silliness he just made the whole world smile and laugh
a simple, funny, good-hearted man called Dodd.