It’s been decades and decades since Tom and Huck
Roamed these quiet streets of Hannibal
WW1, the Great depression and WW2
Each came through and left their indelible marks
Eventually though after each unbelievable, unfortunate experience
our river town found some time to heal
Hyrum gibowski is on the verge of becoming ten
He was cross eyed at birth but sees okay now
With the assistance of glasses
The kids of course tease him
You guessed it…’Four Eyes’
Hyrum does about average in school
His citizenship and willingness
To get along with others garners
Outstanding status on his report cards
And recess... is the very best hunk of school day
Especially being outside, Sez Hy… is his favorite!
It’s hard to recall when he first
Began collecting marbles
He found them intoxicating
If you could call it that
Over time his collection grew
Puries, aggies, Peewee’s, cats eyes, Steelie’s
And big old JawBreakers
He had ‘em all
Kept together in a Paul Parrot show box
With matching lid too - one with Parrot Logo on it
And this hand printed warning…
Hy’s prized shooters and glassy rollers - KEEP OUT!!!
When he wasn't doin’ his chores or
Finishing his homework, his freetime was spent playing
Marbles, Marbles, marbles… in the kitchen,
In the bathtub, on the carpet, rough surfaces, smooth places
On tables, in bed, and absolutely outdoors
He was a natural sharp shooter who studied the angles and memorized
Each piece light vs heavy and the best time to use them
he probably mastered the artform in his sleep
.It was nearing the end of may and the days were stunningly sunny at that
With little to no rain for a string of days
Hy’s teacher, Mrs Applebaum organized a contest
She called it... ”Marble Mania ~ The Great Rolling shootout”
Each player would ante in four marbles to the circle center
Shooters could neal or lay belly down while taking their shots
However they all must be at least 2 inches back from the circle’s chalkline
The competition was fierce for the time being
If you didn’t know any better you’d swear this was Marbletown USA
Marbles went careening everywhere for almost an hour
And the unfortunate ones who shot and missed were out
The final battle fell to Hy and Happy Boy Simpson
Both boys had shown remarkable skill
Happy Boy lined-up for what could be the final shot
Assuming lady luck was with him
When his marble flicked from his thumb lock hold
It went airborne and bounced out of bounds
Happy Boy cursed at himself at missing - x#*! Barely audible though
Two marbles rested side by side, one colorful Aggie, the other a pale blue cats eye
Hy laid down for this shot, his shooter a tad heavier than the remaining pieces
Steadily he lined-up and shot a zinging blow dead center on target
The marbles exited the circle at high speed in almost opposite directions
And Hy’s shooter held fast at point of impact
To which Mrs Applebaum exclaimed… It’s Official Hyrum Gibowski Wins!