In the late 1970s, Kelley wrote a poem detailing the beginnings of Star Trek, from Gene
Roddenberry coming up with the show's concept to selling it to the networks, to the two pilot
episodes, to the fan's attempts to save the show, to the show's cancellaton and resurrection.
Kelley also wrote two poems following "The Big Bird's Dream", which are "The Dream Goes On"
and "The Dream Goes On and On."
Note: If anybody has copies of "The Dream Goes On" and "The Dream Goes On and On", please email me. Thanks!
The Big Bird’s Dream
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away
The day finally came and the story was born
The story he hatched within his yarn
Its crew searched the universe for worlds unknown
All of this, taking place in the skies
Well, he landed in Burbank on Hollywood Way,
The Enterprise crew was one of a kind
At first, the black was not to be,
With great reluctance they agreed to say:
Most who read it said: “This bird is nuts!”
“Let’s give it a try and hope it will work.”
Another one yelled, “It’s too far out!
“Far out?” he said, “I like what I’ve heard,
The big bird felt a sense of elation
One thing was left for the big bird to do:
When the big party calmed down and the feeling was mellow,
He took an idic from his hand,
The brass with guts jumped up and down ~
Well, the public loved it but the Nielson was low
The rest is history, as you surely know,
But after one more year they put it away,
Finally the studio was heard to say:
“Let’s do it as a movie, a special or play ~
“Are they still available ~ or should we re-cast?
“We’ve got to keep their egos down
“First,” he said, “we should discuss the star ~
“What’s with Shatner? How does he look?”
“What’s with Kelley ~ what’s with his life?”
“Now what about Doohan, the one with the brogue,”
“What about Takei ~ he flew the damned ship…”
“Okay, okay, what about Nichelle?
“They’re using the Enterprise to colonize space
“Well, where the hell’s Koeing ~ our young Russian lad?”
“That just about covers the entire crew…
“And even though she’s married to me,
“And there’s one more actor you’ve left out
“I’m referring to Nimoy and what he has to say.
“McCoy’s role?” the executive said,
“What about Kelley, if Spock plays McCoy?
“Easy, gentlemen, don’t worry about that…
So that brings us up to where we are today,
Copyright 1977 by DeForest Kelley
There lived a big bird nesting on a play.
He thought if he could hatch it and get it on the air,
He’d make himself a fortune and build himself a lair.
He let out a cackle: “No more corn!”
He flew from his nest with the play in his claw,
Certain to sell it, for it had no flaw.
Took place on a ship as big as a barn.
Not only that, it was in outer space,
Far removed from the human race.
To teach and learn ~ and not try to own.
Not only that, they built a new nation
This time known as the Federation.
On a starship known as the Enterprise.
Now wouldn’t you think, with a plot like this,
The big bird had what couldn’t miss?
And headed east, to sell his play.
But things weren’t as easy as he thought they’d be ~
Particularly when dealing with NBC.
Superb in their work, with good things in mind.
Different in color and different in race,
Green, white, yellow ~ and token black face.
‘Til the big bird screamed at NBC:
“It’s either she or I” he began to yell,
“Who knows who’s gonna ring whose bell?”
“Okay, fellows, we’ll do it his way.”
At a later time, on another day,
They’d be the first to boast they went that way.
But there was one among them possessed with guts.
“Let’s go with this bird, loud and clear ~
He’s saying things people should hear.
So spoke the head of the big network.
So the pilot was made and they all took a look ~
“My God!” one shouted, “he’s filmed a book!”
I don’t understand what it’s all about!”
But the one with guts had a grin on his face
Now he was ready to state his case.
And I’m still gonna go with this crazy bird.”
So they made another pilot ~ with a change here and there,
And finally, they got it on the air.
After so many days of complete frustration.
But now he knew the big job was done
And he was proud of his fine new son.
Find a name for his dream-come-true.
He gave a big party so the brass would appear,
To name this dream he held so dear.
The big bird stepped forward to christen this fellow.
“Lift your glasses,” he said out loud,
“I’ve got a new baby of which I’m proud!”
The symbol he’d created for the change in man.
He placed it tenderly around the small neck
And in a mellifluous voice, said: “Star Trek”
“My God!” he said, “what a sound!
How did he think of such a name?
It’s commercial as hell ~ it’s the name of the game!”
And they tell the networks what to show.
The word was out for all to hear:
Star Trek dead ~ after second year.
For you, the fans, saved the show.
The millions of letters you sent to the brass
Simply knocked them on their ass!
Not knowing it would rise in syndicated play.
Then came conventions ~ and letters ~ and toys,
Re-runs and rating and lots of noise.
“We’ll remake Star Trek another way.”
“How will we do it?” one of them said,
“Not as a series, the re-runs aren’t dead.
For heaven’s sake, let’s do it some way!
Precious moments are flying by ~
The actors are aging and soon may die.”
Without the originals, how long would it last?
Go get the big bird ~ he knows where they are
And have him remind Spock he’s still not a star.”
In case replacements can’t be found.”
So in flew the big bird, ready to squeal,
Naturally anxious to make a deal.
For all of them probably think they are!”
“Don’t be funny,” an executive said,
“If that’s the case, the whole thing’s dead.”
“I don’t know ~ but he’s written a book.
Seems he wanted the world to know
How he suffered, making that show.”
“He’s living in the Valley ~ with the very same wife!
I know one thing that’s buggin’ him,
He’s sick of that line. He’s dead, Jim!”
Well, he bought a motor-coach and hit the road.
He’s grown a beard ~ it’s silver and black,
And he says he wants to keep it, if he comes back.”
“Well, he’s into politics ~ a whole new trip.
He had a job on the Mayor’s staff,
But they couldn’t take that crazy laugh!”
The one you said would ring our bell?”
“She’s working for NASA ~ goes all over the nation
Trying to interest women in the space administration.”
And they can’t seem to do it without the female race.
She says she’s had it in Communications
And wants to come back in Public Relations.”
“Oh, he’s writing for films ~ and he’s really not bad.
As a matter of fact, if he can be around,
He could be the one to get this off the ground!”
Majel’s no problem ~ she’s married to you!”
“Don’t you believe it, not on your life!
I don’t make deals with my very own wife.”
She still commands the same high fee.
And if this show goes, she’ll be back, you can bet ~
I’ve never written a script without her yet.
That I really think we should talk about.
I know it’s something you hate to discuss
Because it’s going to create quite a fuss.
He’s in New York, doing a play.
He’s portraying a doctor and says it’s a joy ~
And he might come back if he could play McCoy.”
“My God, man, he’s out of his head!
Well, I’m telling you, that really takes guts ~
The brass will think we’ve gone nuts!”
He’ll just flip if we get another boy.”
The big bird spoke with that smile on his face,
The one he wears when he’s solved a case.
I can fix him in nothing flat.
So just relax and calm down your fears…
I’ll paint De green ~ and give him the ears!”
With thousands of people gathered to say
“Star Trek Lives!” ~ it will not die ~
When will someone make it fly?