the 1980s... the Beatles had gone away
replaced by ZZ Top, Billy Joel,  Bruce Springsteen
it was new music for a new day

hippies and flower children were no more
bell bottoms were replaced with parachute pants
and yuppies ruled the dance floor

records were replaced by CD's
and we listened to scratch free music
with the cool spring breeze

Betamax and VHS fought the VCR war
we no longer had to go to the theater
our favorite movies were at the video store

Madonna and The A-Team with Mr. T
jelly shoes, neon clothes, and leg warmers
hard to believe we can still see

But the 80s were more then our evolution
there was a man... a doctor
who started a revolution

he took that first step on a track
he did it alone... for 24 hours
his message... we will attack

Dr. Gordy Klatt walked and ran
a symbolic gesture saying
we will eliminate cancer in every child, woman and man

to never forget those we have lost
they fought a strong battle
and they paid the ultimate cost

to celebrate those who walk tonight
to admire and honor them
for their strength with this fight

all alone Dr. Klatt walked
he raised money
and people began to talk

by year two... teams were formed
220 people joined the doctor
and the Relay For Life was born

it continued to grow and expand
and in no time at all
The Relay For Life crossed our great land

tonight we'll have some fun
we'll share stories, sing some songs,
walk and wait for the rising sun

and the sun will provide us
with a vision we want to see
a world... living cancer free!

©2009DaveHarm