Larry Chroman

From the heart of his home comes a thrilling vibration:

A German-made engine, the pride of the nation.

The garage door goes up, and his foot punches down,

The sleek, slope-nosed Porsche leaps off the ground.

He roars up the driveway, banking the turns,

Lightning-quick gearshifts as jet fuel burns.

His veins surge with pleasure: he’s flying . . . he’s free –

He’s King of the Road: it’s Larry’s Grand Prix.

The trees in the grandstands are up on their feet

Cheering for Larry – he’s never been beat.

The flowers that line this great track on each side,

They wave as he passes – man, can he ride!

The chequered flag waves as he hits Pleasant Plain –

He’s beaten his competitors by miles again.

When it comes to his household, Larry is master –

When it comes to his driveway, no one is faster.

Let’s make a movie of this car-racing wonder,

And then we can call it Seconds of Thunder.*

Cars are his passion. . . . But has he a flaw?

The answer is yes – and it will stir awe.

From a high, unnamed source in his organization

Come reports which, if leaked, would cause a sensation.

Larry’s one foible is no longer a riddle:

He squeezes his toothpaste tube from the middle!

In blatant defiance of the tube’s own instruction!

Here’s one natural law that’s doomed to destruction.

The poor paste at bottom becomes disconnected,

Cut off from wholeness, and rather dejected.

But considering his strengths, this weakness is small –

In fact, it is hardly a weakness at all

A solution’s been found to preserve peace in his home:

Larry’s been given a tube of his own.

For his secrets, ask Susan – she’ll tell you plenty

They’ve been married eleven years, together for twenty.

For the ultimate truth, try the ultimate test:

Ask his two kids – they know him best.

And the ultimate truth, say Britten and Brooke:

“He’s a good daddy and a good cook.”

He’s amazing with children – his nephew and nieces;

Children are drawn to him – they love him to pieces.

Whence the rapport? It’s clear from the start:

The reason is, Larry’s a child at heart.

He loves telling stories (his kids think they’re real).

He loves finer things – but he loves a good deal.

He loves to play tennis – and usually can manage

Somehow to have the home court advantage.**

He’s dapper and dashing – he dresses with zest,

Number one on the list of Iowa’s best dressed.

He loves to surprise you – he’s constantly thinking

What he can do to keep your eyes blinking,

To make you more cheerful – to make your whole day –

Thank goodness that someone’s constructed that way.

He loves to eat chocolate – the more that he eats,

The healthier he grows – he’s immortal on sweets.

How does he do it? His body’s so balanced

He turns chocolate to ojas, among other talents.

The lord of his house, the captain of his ship,

He makes the arrangements for each family trip.

Whatever the outing may be, large or small,

He attends to the details, arranging them all.

Ask him his heroes – he’ll name you a pair:

Two virtual Sidhas – Danny Kaye, Fred Astaire.

They could sing, they could dance, they could practically fly

And carry their audiences with them, so high.

He’s on record as crying at musical shows —

He’s a romantic, as everyone knows.

What words could ever describe Larry Chroman?

What words could sit next to this famous cognomen?

We’ll look for the very best words we can find

To see what best suits a man of this kind.

Royal would surely describe Larry Chroman:

He’s clearly much more than your everyday yeoman.

His bearing is regal, his qualities noble,

His eyes, like an eagle’s, bring vision that’s global.

In some other nation, he’d surely be knighted:

“Sir Larry” . . . but he would be less than excited –

Of knighthood, he’d tell you – and this there’s no doubt of:

It’s night he’s been trying to get us all out of.

Kshatrya clearly describes Larry Chroman,

But he’s more than a common footsoldier or bowman.

A general in a war that’s celestial and sweet

With no chance of casualty, harm, or defeat.

As light conquers darkness with nary a noise,

This is the Kshatrya-hood Larry enjoys.

Learned also defines Larry Chroman:

In educational level, he’s the high, not the low man.

He holds not one but two masters degrees,

And he’s mastered pure knowledge with effortless ease.

Unified also describes Larry Chroman:

No man is an island, and Larry’s not no man.

Connected to everything, to the parts and the whole –

United is his purpose with nature’s own goal.

Quick-moving also depicts Larry Chroman:

He pounces like lightning – he’s never a slow man.

Wherever he’s needed, that’s where he is,

And each of Maharishi’s goals also are his.

Auspicious would also describe Larry Chroman:

Just hearing his name is a fortunate omen.

Whatever the project, if Larry’s involved,

The goal is achieved, and all problems are solved.

Eloquent clearly describes Larry Chroman:

His words entertain – but he’s more than a showman.

Whenever he speaks, it’s extemporaneous,

Heartfelt and moving, with nothing extraneous.

Generous also befits Larry Chroman:

Incredibly giving, he’s no quid pro quo man.

He gives of his resources, his time, his attention,

And many other qualities too many to mention.

Evenness also describes Larry Chroman:

He’s no hot-and-cold man, no too-and-fro man.

Established in being, he performs action,

Unattached to the fruits, yet with deep satisfaction.

Heaven-builder completely describes Larry Chroman:

He’ll transform the world – he’s no status quo man.

When inner and outer are both glorified,

Then, and just then, will he rest, satisfied.

Vedic most clearly describes Larry Chroman:

Richo akshare parame vyoman.

He’s supremely awake, of this there’s no doubt:

The hymns of the Ved have been seeking him out

Gratitude — that’s what we give Larry Chroman.

When wintertime comes, let’s build him a snowman,

Ring victory bells, and thank him for being,

Thank him for him and his power of seeing.

Larry’s a family man – doting, devoted

But in this connection it ought to be noted

The world is his family – he feels it profoundly

With this fact alone, the world should sleep soundly

Equal respect of both elders and youth,

Equal success in both fortune and truth.

The legacy he leaves is for all times to come:

Aham brahmasmi and Vedaham

Peace to the world, and heaven on earth

Generations to come will honor his birth.

Six words from the mandalas capture his story:

“Brilliant fame, wealth, intelligence, and glory.”

July 29, 1990

* A play on the title of the 1990 car racing movie, Days of Thunder, starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman.

** Larry had a building with two indoor tennis courts constructed near his home.

A thank you from Larry:

Dear Craig,

You are amazing. Time and again you come up with these amazing, fantastic, & great poems. Somehow now the plants in the driveway have taken on a life and actually do cheer me on. Thanks for taking the time and energy from your very busy schedule. Thanks for all the beautiful feelings you created and expressed toward me.

Jai Guru Dev, Larry