Here is the poem Katie Couric wrote for Bryant Gumbel and read to him
on his last day on Today, Jan. 3, 1997 (not Jan. 2, 1997):
<From a 1/3/97 Today transcript>
KATIE COURIC:
Bryant, it's hard to believe that your last day is here. You're taking
your leave, your next step unclear. Oh, my god, is this rhyming? Oh,
yes, Bryant, dear, I've written on ode to your brilliant career.
BRYANT GUMBEL: Ah-oh.
KC: With apologies to Yeats, Keats and Percy B. Shelley, let's pay
special tribute to your years on the tele.
BG: Oh, that's nice.
KC: Your first job out of school selling cardboard boxes was replaced
with reports of Red and White Soxes. At sports, you were nimble. At
sports, you were quick. When it came to live TV, you learned every
trick. You remember with ease every stat, play and score. But the
talent scouts knew you were destined for more. TODAY came your way.
He's a sports guy,' they jeered. Twas a matter of months for your
talent they cheered. You and Jane P. were the team of the '80s
informing and charming the gents and the ladies.
You were sharp, you were with it and oh, yeah, that 'fro. You traveled
to places we all wished to go. When I entered the picture after a few
rocky years, you welcomed me and helped assuage all my fears. You gave
me some rope but did not let me hang. So what will this yin do without
her yang? We're two different people, you know that is true. Our
differences many, similarities few.
Gershwin, Cole Porter and girl groups are me. Santana and Prince are
more your cups of tea. I favor tennis, you fancy golf. In fact, your
addiction at times makes me Rolf. I love the theater, you love movies
gory. I even like cheese, and we all know that story. Folks know
you're not bashful when it comes to a feast. Do they know that you're
prone to yawn like a beast. They see a strong anchor who's, yes, in
control. Do they know what it's like when you get on a roll?
"But let me suck up for a minute or two. You're the top of the
morning. There's no other you. Perspicacious, pugnacious, persistent
and proud, you may not be a schmoozer, but you can work a crowd. Your
smarts and your skills cannot be denied. You hone right on in, and you
let nothing slide. You're a hard nut to crack, but inside you're like
butter. You can be a sweetheart and an annoying big brother. While
I've made it clear you're perfectly sluggable, there are times when
you are, dare I say it, quite huggable? So gather your rosebuds while
you may. Carpe diem, Bryant, seize the day. I wish you happiness in
this new life you lease, but most of all, Bryant, I wish you peace." |
