Ollie (left) and Frank try on some new shoes in Denmark. Courtesy of Hans Perk.

He felt despair, but it was only brief;
Although retired, he never left his joys --
Animation's future brought new toys
And in this wonder he had found relief.

Computers had replaced the humble cel
Digital images shining sharp and bright
It seemed a whole new world had come to light
The pencil was replaced by the pixel.

Those who practice now this wizardry
All bowed to him, this wisest sage
That still advised them in this modern age,
A master of unequalled artistry.

And as he looked again into the street --
Here an Ariel, an Aladdin, there a Belle --
He thought back on the art he served so well,
Accomplishments that time cannot defeat.

What is age? 'Tis only years gone past
What is time? Very much the same --
But lasting genius, true enduring fame
Transcends both forever, and so he knew at last

Whenever children found true joy, it seems
And one remained a child in one's heart
His life had played a most important part --
The illusion of life to countless, happy dreams.

Martin "Dr. Toon" Goodman is a longtime student and fan of animation. He lives in Anderson, Indiana.