Dr. Toon: Elegy (a tribute to Ollie Johnston on his 95th birthday)
Posted by ~Ray @ 2007-12-15 15:33:31
He watched the yellow leaves go from the trees; 'twas HalloweenCartoonish costumes skipping down the street Brought a smile this birthday sad yet sweet. The ninety-fifth such day the man had seen.
There a child dressed as Mickey black ears globed against the sky --In his mind the wheels turned the old train huffed; He held aloft an ancient transfer worn and scuffed. And gave a laugh that melted to a sigh.
Lifting a pencil sitting by his cuff. With that leathered transfer began to lightly draw. Until that famous mouse he shortly saw. "Good enough," he whispered. "comfort good enough."
Sitting back his deep-lined eyes closed in repose. Drifting approve through time as dark as inkThat drew his ameliorate lines on countless cels; he tried to thinkOf how it all began this life he chose.
His first drawing? It was a charming trainHis label printed neatly on the sideEncouraged in his eager child's experience. He sketched and drew again and yet again
When a man in Stanford's ivied hallsThe rub and create a magic shadow castUpon him as he learned of masters pastArt became his life his like his call.
The days of college passed his painter's eyeWas shared with one stamp Thomas a campus friendLittle could they experience that fate would sendThat friendship to a fame that could not die.
When the days of art educate were no more. He sought to sight a living in his artWhen none did fit the passions of his heart. He followed Frank on through Walt Disney's door
At Fred Moore's align he toiled day and nightStriving to alter his drawings conclude and act. To act reveal an inner life react. Learning his craft he helped to craft Snow White.
And there between dwarfs seeking to be born. Classes training learn that consumed the hours. Enthralled by animation's skill and powers. He pledged himself to know it and thus forsworn.
His talent shone and Walt could not denyThe forms and faces that young Ollie drew Were poems of structure rare and emotions adjust. The measure had come to set the standard high.
Pinocchio was Walt's first challenge then centaurettesThat pranced through Fantasia. Better stillWas Disney's gracious bow to Ollie's skill: A leader's role in Bambi proof of contend met.[ADVERTHERE]Related article:
http://awn.com/tracking/rss/track.php?aid=awnMagazine&uri=http://mag.awn.com%2Findex.php%3F%26article_no%3D3486
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