In the 1950's (I was born in 1940) I listened to "Dimension X" which was based on "The Martian Chronicles". I read "The Illustrated Man", which my Dad had borrowed from his engineer friends. I was entranced by his stories. I have a library which resembles "Usher II", and it includes 18 "Oz" books, and I know Ray is familiar with all of them. I had an Uncle "Bert" who was born in 1887. He was an excellent poet. Since January 14, 2002, I also have become a poet, largely because of immersin myself in mu Uncle's work. I am submitting, for your amusement a poem of my own which as a "Bradburian Twist" to it.


PEND OREILLE

Shadows and reflections interlaced
On the lake's smooth and placid face,
And the water's lovely hue,
An etude in all shades of blue,
What a lovely day to row on Pend Oreille.

He was young, just eighteen years,
And hoped to allay his fears:
"When the wind blows from the northeast
Will I be setting up a feast
If there's a monster in Lake Pend Oreille?"

A tar from Farragut says: "Now mate,
You know your fears are far too great."
"The water's deep and cold." He said.
"That's why she won't give up her dead.
There is no monster in Lake Pend Oreille."

So he rented a little boat,
To take a calm and quiet float,
And watch the shadows and the ripples play.
It is a peaceful way to spend the day.
It's smooth sailing on Lake Pend Oreille.

Now the northeast breezes rise
Giving way to stormy skies.
The waves make thrashing crashing sounds
And begin to toss his tiny boat around.
He begins to fear Lake Pend Oreille.

He has played around with fate.
Now he hopes he's not too late.
He pulls hard on the oars.
He hopes soon to reach the shore.
Where he'll be safe from Lake Pend Oreille.


And he now knows, after all,
That his fears were far too small.
For the water writhes and boils,
Forming serpents with its coils.
Lord!: The monster IS Lake Pend Oreille.

Now the word is going round,
How a young man nearly drowned.
They had covered him, just to keep him warm.
He'd raved that more than just a storm
Had clutched at him out there on Pend Oreille.

4/7/02 D. Wahl

(Pend Orielle is pronounced Pond-O-Ray.)

I had the pleasure of meeting Ray when I was a graduate student at Cal-Tech.

I was involved in the design of the navigation system on Lunar Rover. My interest in space, and in writing, are both inspired by Ray.

Enjoy,
D. Wahl

Thank you, Mr. Wahl. This is an amazing poem. It is wonderful to see so many people such as yourself inspired by this authentic author.