First Things First

I often wonder what inspired
folks to try things first.
Like who was the first to blow bubbles with gum,
and what did he think when they burst?

Who was the first to count with numbers?
Who was the first to run?
Who was the first to sneeze, and goodness,
what did he think he'd done?

The first one to eat spinach
must have wondered why he did it.
The first to pick lint from his belly button
probably wouldn't admit it.

Who was the first to twist a pretzel?
Who was the first to own a cat?
Who was the first to wear underwear
and how did he feel about that?

The first to throw a frisbee
must have wondered where it went.
The first to write a letter
must have wondered where it sent.

Who was the first to use an umbrella?
Who was the first to dream?
Who was the first to have a nightmare
and who was the first to scream?

I often wonder
if they knew
they were the first, and I
often wonder
how many things
I was the first to try.


(C) 1998, Arden Davidson