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In Praise of Mentors

Deliver me from the arrogance of self-satisfaction Feeling content in myself, as though I needed no one, Thinking of others as no more than a distraction Failing to acknowledge how many helped me run. Owing gratitude to the many mentors in my life They share the trophies for victories I’ve won, Many were there guiding me through the strife, “No man is an island,” said poet John Dunne. It’s so easy to boast and say, “I did it my way,” Few, certainly not me, made the journey alone Every one of us has many debts in life to pay, Without a sculptor, we are rough-hewn stone. So, let’s take a few moments this fine Sunday Recognizing those who, for us, paved the way. Written October 23, 2022

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Linda Alice Fowler

Date: 10/24/2022 8:13:00 AM

Oh so many - not enough fingers and toes to count them. :) I agree with John; some were silently supportive and unnoticed until I grew older and 'wiser'. Nice tribute Milt.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 10/24/2022 9:06:00 AM

Thank you, Linda. This is so true.

Shirley Hawkins

Date: 10/23/2022 2:54:00 PM

With a bit of help from my friends came to mind as I read your interesting sonnet, Milt.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 10/23/2022 3:24:00 PM

Thanks, Shirley. That is a good song, which expresses so well what I was thinking when I wrote this poem.

John Lawless

Date: 10/23/2022 2:39:00 PM

..."Without a sculptor we are rough-hewn stone"....Oh, Ain't it da truth, ain't it da truth....Looking back a had many mentors...some I was aware of and most who only became visible as I grew older and hopefully wiser.....Nice write Milton

L Milton Hankins
Date: 10/23/2022 3:25:00 PM

Thanks, John. I think this is probably true of most of us.