Caldwells Trail

"Time to go, I'll see you folks" A wave and he was gone just like every year before he never lingered on Always got right to the point (no beating around the bush) Questions answered, terse, direct but never in a rush They met him sixteen years ago While hiking Caldwells Trail no backpack, tent or dirty boots And clean down to each nail You had to like him right away his warmth would sink right in He left you feeling good inside Like knowing you could win Every June, like clockwork with jacket in his hand You'd meet him coming up the trail He'd wave, or shake your hand He really "brightened up your day" As though he brought the sun Vacations seemed so far apart He added that much fun Then one June, he didn't show The trail seemed almost sad Vacation over, headed home Really (kind of glad) Late-night News in mid July A "tribute to a man" One-Hundredth Anniversary To a Pioneer named "Dan" Seemed this guy was special That he'd blazed a mountain trail Saved lots of folks in winter storms He also brought the mail They showed his only photograph Taken Eighteen-fifty-two Dan Cauldwells grin, as real as life Just like it was each June.....