Chris's Poem

This opportunity to spend precious time on Midway Island has deeply affected all of us. Chris was unparalleled in seizing every opportunity, exploring every corner, connecting with people and creatures and the land the whole time we were there. He blessed us all with the following poem as a gift right before we jumped on the plane to leave. I know I was doing pretty well with managing my emotions up to that point. Chris's poem touched us all, and his open heart while sharing it touched us even more. Thanks so much, Chris.

We started many months ago on this magical tale,

Oh what joy we all felt with our acceptance in the mail.

We all arrived from near and far but we found the way,

Nervously gathering the first time at Hanauma Bay.

Through meetings, sessions and field trips our comfort levels grew

Remembering names and faces, these strangers we know knew.

Bishop Museum was fantastic as we made the rounds,

Then off to the airport where we stressed about our forty pounds.

Our flight was fun with Subway grinds to help provide a spark,

Then touching down on Midway, we reached here after dark.

From day one our days were filled with awesome things to do,

And when we thought it couldn't last, it got better with day two.

Cruising on our awesome bikes we explored both far and near

And everyday we added names of those who jumped the pier.

Eastern Island was unreal, its heyday of the past

With the help of those today its history will last.

Snorkeling out on the reef, boy, what can I say

Unreal feelings of another world, as the fish came out to play.

Sunrises and sunsets are a million dollar view.

How lucky are all of us? Each day we get to see the two.

Birds on the road, birds in the water, birds in the air

I'm so glad they're friendly, or that would be a scare.

Albatross and Monk Seal talks were given by the crew.

These lectures and the tours helped us learn so much that's new.

Thanks to Tanya, thanks to Nai'a who helped to get us through

The various assignments that we've done and those we've yet to do.

Tracy, thank you very much, you've been the very best!

Once we leave I surely hope you're able to get some rest.

Linda, thank you oh so much for getting all of us here.

It should be a lot easier when we return next year.

Unfortunately, our time is short as we wait for our ride

But luckily we've already checked with Toy for a place to hide.

I'm saddened as our wonder time we now see it ends.

I'm deeply honored to be able to call you all my friends.



Chris Baird