Neil Brewer

Educator - Author - Musician

In 2000, Neil teamed up with long-time friend Lee Cable and artist Myrtle Karil to bring Rusty and Dusty to life for thousands of kids across Indiana. The poem became a self-published book, and Neil and Lee performed the story and its accompanying music while kids from the host school shared in reading different stanzas, as well as made the sound effects that were part of the zaniness. At one point, the school's principal played a cameo role as a blues-struck cow, and students and teachers alike were enlightened by the two travelers as they encouraged each other to reach their life-long dreams. Scenes from school appearances follow the story, and you can hear the music as well, if you pause the story audio, and play the songs as they appear along the way.

Listen to the Story ...

Two very different wanderers upon an evening met,

and greeted one another as the sun began to set.

At that time, neither knew of how much power they possessed.

That's how our story started, and what follows is the rest.

One traveler's name was Rusty, and he dreamed of driving trains.

The other dreamer, Dusty, hoped to one day ride the range.

Rusty's dreams weren't silly, and old Dusty's hope weren't strange.

But it takes more than hopes and dreams to make a real-life change!

Now friends, there's something 'bout these two new partners you should know:

They didn't have the confidence to let their talents show!

They also didn't realize that life is simple math...

for one friend plus another equals ways down many paths.

Rusty - he liked writin' things when he'd sit down to rest.

And Dusty - he liked pickin' strings. He loved his music best.

In different and amazing ways these two were truly blessed -

but then, we all have our own kinds of special giftedness!

Of course, to get to that high place you want to reach in life,

you know you have to work ... but, you might not have heard of strife.

Strife's the stuff that does its best to make you wanna' quit...

but, here's how Rusty and his friend helped ease that up a bit.

They talked and laughed for hours on end, and each one soon felt better.

Then there, beside the campfire, Dusty sat and wrote a letter.

"Dear mom," the letter started out, I've met a helpful pal.

He seems to be a lot like me - but doesn't care for cows.

I know that you would rather that I came on home for good,

and run the family business like you always hoped I would.

But, I'm just not the office type, I need some room to run.

I hope one day you'll understand-

God Bless,

Your Loving Son."

You might like to pause the story for a moment to enjoy The Traveler's Lullaby ...

In case you hadn't noticed it, these two were gettin' old.

Rusty's hair was turnin' gray, and Dusty's hands were cold.

however, each had very special kinds of stories to be told,

and neither realized how quickly things would soon unfold!

Rusty knew that Train School wasn't free by any means,

and Dusty knew that cowboys paid for whole lots more than beans.

They drifted off to sleep, but soon awakened with a jolt -

for each one had a vision strike him like a lightening bolt!

"What if we taught each other how to do the things we know?"

"And then we'd sing and play for kids in schools with our own show!"

They'd have to put in lots of work to learn their acting roles -

but, both felt it was worth a try to help them reach their goals.

Well, they decided then and there if they were ever parted,

they'd come back each and every year to where the whole thing started.

And just to make sure that their vows were legal and official,

upon a great big nearby rock, they each carved their initials.

Now. you'll recall that Dusty played, but wouldn't sing a note.

And Rusty wrote and sang, but couldn't play to what he wrote!

There sure enough was a problem for these two to figure out ...

but, solving things together is what this life's all about.

At first, their fears stood in the way, and everything went wrong.

Yet, when they shared encouragement, the fears they felt were gone!

When Rusty's fingers faltered, Dusty did not criticise.

When Dusty's voice was squeaky, Rusty helped him harmonize.

Listen to Dusty teach Rusty how to play the guitar with the help of a few Cowboy Cowesthentics ...

A team is what they soon became, by sharing what they knew.

Dusty sort of learned to sing, and Rusty learned a tune.

It took a ton of practice and a ton of patience, too -

but soon, they felt they had it down, so off they went to school!

Now, maybe you have heard of those whose nerves are made of steel. But, let me tell you right now how those two began to feel.

There's absolutely, positively, no chance of denyin' - on the outside they were sweatin' - on the inside they were dyin'!

The crowd inside was silent when they opened up the door,

and not a word was spoken as they inched across the floor.

They felt as though a million eyes were were staring - maybe more!

And they stared back with their eyes, too. (Which numbered only four.)

The tension grew. What would they do? For now, the two had frozen.

They weren't now sure if they'd go through with this thing they had chosen.

And when it looked impossible that things could get much worse,

Rusty broke a string - and Dusty cursed a cowboy curse!

Then, somewhere from a distant row, the help they needed came.

It was a solitary soul, and Karen was her name.

She stood and shouted loud and clear so all would understand:

"Those guys should have encouragement!' And then ...she clapped her hands.

The thoughtful idea Karen had soon caught on with the crowd,

and what had started quietly, grew thunder-clapping loud!!

Inspiration filled the two, and fears were blown away.

They tipped their hats to Karen, and prepared themselves to play!

You'd think a future cowboy and a future engineer,

would like to play the twangy tunes that those folks like to hear.

But, these two weren't your usual types - who cared if they were old?

They straightened up, and proudly shouted, "We play rock and roll!"

They played a rock and rollin' tune, and when the last note rang,

the crowd went wild - but realized, that only Rusty sang!

Had Dusty found encouragement? No one had any clues ...

until he started 'speaking' special music called the blues!

And when that song was over, those two headed for the door -

but, Karen stood again and shouted, "Won't you play one more?!"

Then, with a wave of thanks to all, they honored her request, as Rusty faded in the East, and Dusty in the West.

Well, you might be a wonderin' what became of those two friends.

They played in many schools, but that's not where their story ends!

They encouraged one another - each one took their own advice, and both went on to do the things they'd dreamed of all their lives.

Rusty went to school and earned his locomotive license,

and Dusty found a ranch where he could hang out with the bisons.

Then time went by and lots of brand new railroad tracks were laid,

and one track passed a place where once a friendship had been made.

And there those friends still meet each year with stories of content,

for they both reached their life-long dreams, through kind encouragement.

Rusty and Dusty

From the Poem Rusty and Dusty by Neil Brewer

Music & Lyrics by Neil Brewer & Lee Cable

Illustrations by Myrtle Karil

Rusty & Dusty

RD2

Train

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The End

Neil Brewer

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Listen to the Story ...

You might like to pause the story for a moment to enjoy The Traveler's Lullaby ...

Listen to Dusty teach Rusty how to play the guitar with the help of a few Cowboy Cowesthentics ...

Rusty and Dusty