Boy atop the World’s Tallest Building
For my son, Rick
After his first flight alone (from Phoenix),
he proudly proclaims: “I flew in a DC 10
and I rode in first class,
because it was a luxury liner.”
His seven year old logic was impeccable.
Driving down the Kennedy Expressway from the airport,
I recite the names of the Chicago skyline:
“There’s the Hancock Building with black
cross-your-heart girding and those funny
little feelers on top blinking red.
There’s the First National Bank, the white column
against the Lake Michigan sky
and the Sears Tower standing tall,
Rick, the world’s tallest building.”
I take the Lake Drive south,
dodging the potholes and Rick’s blizzard
of questions about the Sears Tower.
"Could we see it?
Could we go to the top?
How high is it?
Can I see it again, Dad?"
Next day, I take him to the Southside 55th Street Park.
From the Point, we look north toward downtown:
Chicago is still Christmas lit.
That night, I plan our assault on the Tower
And he dreams his tallest dreams.
Steve Heins
1975. My wife and I landed in Chicago from India in early July. I was starting my surgical residency at St Francis Hospital, Evanston. My first memories of the Windy City are driving down Lake Shore Drive from Evanston. You could see the iconic buildings coming into view - Sears Tower was up by then, the memorable shape of the John Hancock, driving down the Gold Coast and then into the Magnificent mile. We have since done this drive numerous times in various seasons, but each time was a renewal. We've been back home in India since 1981 but the memories of driving down Lake Shore Drive remain fresh and reminiscent of a time of starting a great adventure: "young and full of foolish dreams."