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.