Ray Axelson (Mr. Wonderful)

Ray Axelson
Think Gene Hackman with a Rhode Island accent
Fingers hardened by knots and kayak oars
Used to trace lines on outstretched plans
On the hoods of construction site F150 Fords

A God-fearing man
His change would fall when he did handstands
To make the kids scurry for treasure
Spinning quarters and dimes on the hardwood floors
Crashing into the edges of the rugs and the baseboards

No matter what goes wrong
He says “We Shall Overcome”

Everything is wonderful
Mr. Wonderful
Everything is wonderful when you’re around

Ray Axelson
His second act a pursuit of passion
Fingers stained by chemicals revealing images of a bird’s eye view
Used to trace routes on outstretched maps
On the fuselage of a Cessna 172

A loving man, he took flight with his wife to great heights
Past tin and china, pearl and ruby, gold and diamond
Holding hands ‘till the end
Just like they did as kids in the summer of ‘46

No matter what goes wrong
He says “We Shall Overcome”

Everything is wonderful
Mr. Wonderful
Everything is wonderful when you’re around

Of all the things I’ve learned from you
Positivity rings true
Give it to the world, no matter what you’re going through
When they ask me, I’ll say “I’m wonderful”

Everything is wonderful
Mr. Wonderful
Everything is wonderful when you’re around