Everyone is talking

About Stephen Hawking.

My good friend

Explained how time can end.

And clued us in

On how time can begin.

Always droll,

He spoke about a hole:

“Now, wait a minute, Jack,

A black hole ain’t so black!”

Those immortal words he said,

Which millions now have duly read,

Hit physics like a ton of bricks.

Well, that’s how Stephen got his kicks.

Always grinning through his glasses,

He brought science to the masses,

Displayed a rare capacity

For humor and audacity.

And that’s why, on this somber day,

With relish we can gladly say:

“Thanks, Stephen, for the things you’ve done.

And most of all, thanks for the fun!”

And though there’s more to say, my friend,

This poem, too, must, sadly, end.