My Mentor Is My Friend

My Mentor is My Friend

There was a time not long ago
Where I felt I had no friend
I thought if I stopped moving
In the trash can I might end

I felt so easily over looked
Disrespected, even mocked.
But then he came along
I felt my life had been unlocked.

He wasn’t like all the others
With some agenda on their mind
Full of probing questions
To see what they could find

He came with “can I help you?”
Are there places that you struggle?
Now don’t hastily misinterpret
My mentor don’t sit and snuggle

In fact it’s just the opposite
He’s like Santa with his pack.
He arrives so well prepared
It’s almost an outright attack

I’m doing better with my lessons
Even I can see the progress
Tests are easier with few surprises
But maybe here I now digress

Well not entirely I must admit
My mentor is for school work
To walk me through my paces
So I don’t grow up a silly dork.

My mentor has become for me
A lighthouse, a beacon of sorts.
To keep me on the narrow path
Maybe even get me into sports

If I seem to be getting ahead of myself
It’s because of why I feel this way
I look forward to his helpful visits
That move me forward day by day.

How does a mentor become a friend?
Because he shows he really cares
If he see’s I’m troubled and grumpy
He moves on, he’ll leave it there

But if I bring up the subject
He makes time to listen carefully
He offers help if he feels he can
Never oversteps “their” policy

He wants me to learn to handle things
To follow rules thru “chain of command”
Go to adults and leaders politely
Not pouting or with loud demands

He’ll go along if I ask him too
Or stay behind with a hushed “go get’em”
He tries to prep for what may happen
“They can’t upset you, unless you let’em”

As I now think about my mentor
The key to our friendship is trust
If we have a misunderstanding
We don’t let it fester or rust.

He helps me face it like it’s important
It’s never “a phase I’m passing through”
I’ve grown to understand the fact
Mistakes can happen and often do

Well I’ve gone on here quit a spell
I’ll hand this in ahead of time
So my mentor won’t see it right away
This project to write a meaningful rhyme

About someone that’s in my life
That I might turn too in times of strife
Like the guy my dad has at work
When troubled by a nagging wife. :o)

Sorry mom. . . . .

Written by oldbuck Jan 26, 2018 after reading a great bit of poetry written by a new friend, about a Mentor.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

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Mcferran Avatar
June 13, 2019 at 1:58 PM
I really like this poem, and can thoroughly appreciate the power of a good mentor & friend! A wonderfully penned tribute! ;)
Buck Avatar
June 13, 2019 at 3:50 PM
Rhona: This is really a "grouping" of traits I've seen in mentors over the years. I've actually never had one with all these qualities until joining the soup with my rhymes. You folks are special. Thanks to you as their representative today. :o) oldbuck
Lamoureux Avatar
May 2, 2019 at 8:48 AM
The last time I lost my inspiration I had a 7 year period when I didn’t write at all. Then I had my most prolific time of writing. We never know what will prime the pump. Having mentors in one’s life is important. So glad you have known that privilege. I have no doubt you blessed your mentor as well.
Thayer Avatar
March 29, 2019 at 11:53 AM
Love This Buck!!
Buck Avatar
September 2, 2019 at 2:28 PM
Vickie: I just realized I'd never responded to your thoughtful message. Thank you for reading and responding. It means a lot to any writer. oldbuck
Marcum Wong Avatar
January 4, 2019 at 12:32 PM
This tells so much about you Buck. I am glad you have such a wonderful mentor in your life. I've been blessed that way too in my youth. I enjoyed reading your poem and I hope your inspiration returns soon. Have a blessed new year my friend! : ) xxoo
Buck Avatar
January 4, 2019 at 12:38 PM
Connie: Thank you for reading and commenting on my work. Poetry Soup folks like yourself have been my "inspiration" for several years. I don't know what I would have done without them all. oldbuck
Zerlaut Avatar
December 15, 2018 at 10:19 AM
a wonderful poem and tribute. I miss seeing your writing and hope all is well.
Buck Avatar
December 15, 2018 at 2:39 PM
Jesse: Those are kind words. Poetry Soupers have always been "Super". After publishing 4 books of 170 of my rhymes, and written 200 more, I've lost my "spark" :o) Thanks for taking the time to comment on my stuff. oldbuck
Carmack Avatar
October 9, 2018 at 6:22 PM
I like this tribute. I was reading the comments below and read you lost you dad when you were six. I was blessed to have mine into my forties. We have our Father in Heaven, but it is still nice to have our biological father at least until our twenties. Losing two father figures before you were 18 had to been tough.
Buck Avatar
October 9, 2018 at 8:00 PM
Rob: Thank you for the thoughtful comments. The one I always felt the sorriest for was my double windowed mom. She never really recovered from the shock. My sisters and I went off to school and kept busy with friends. She spent too many years alone. oldbuck
Brereton Avatar
September 9, 2018 at 8:49 PM
I really enjoyed this ol buck! Thank you!! (Ps. The ending is a nice touch !!)
Buck Avatar
September 10, 2018 at 1:21 PM
I'm pleased anytime my words can bring a smile. Thanks for reading and responding to my work. Now get back to writing and sharing with the soup. oldbuck
Schack Avatar
August 9, 2018 at 6:54 PM
hiya old buck it's dantheman schack again. it's been several months. your writing has mentored me and i like your style buddy. lifes been psychological warfare last few years. many both male and female folks being irrational and destructive, of course there is enough exceptions. anyhoo check out some of my new ones for poetry of daniel schack. hope for feedback. be well.
Buck Avatar
September 10, 2018 at 1:23 PM
Sorry I missed your response. Any writer appreciates knowing someone took the time to read their stuff. Now I'm off to read some "Schack". oldbuck
Lawrence Avatar
July 17, 2018 at 3:23 PM
Sorry, indeed, Old Buck. Haha. Mom will forgive you appreciating your poetry. Great gift indeed, one who sees us for who we really are and cares enough to make us dare.
Buck Avatar
July 17, 2018 at 4:09 PM
Kevin: Thank you for reading and responding to my work. If you enjoy poetic humor you might enjoy "A Short Indian Tale". Just a thought. Thanks again for responding. oldbuck
House Avatar
July 11, 2018 at 10:19 PM
Old Buck, this is a great poem. It has a lot of emotions in it. It is so long but that is good. I write short pieces. Like this one a lot.
Buck Avatar
July 12, 2018 at 12:32 PM
Bonnie: Thank you for reading and responding to my work. Most of my rhymes are too long, but that's just the way I am. :o) If you would like to see one of my shortest ever, read "A Short Indian Tale". Thanks again for trying my stuff. oldbuck
Schack Avatar
April 28, 2018 at 5:57 PM
hiya old buck . great write. oftentimes we find our ultimate mentor is our own silly self, with help with others with good heads and good hearts, like u ol timer. check out some of my new poems, I'd love more of your kind comments pal. be well. Daniel schack
Buck Avatar
April 28, 2018 at 8:29 PM
Dan: I'm on my way to read some "Schack" right now. I'll let you know what I think. :o) oldbuck
Griffin Avatar
April 26, 2018 at 8:35 PM
Wonderful poem! It's a rare thing to find a mentor like that. I love how the meaning changes, depending on what you're feeling at the time, too.
Buck Avatar
April 28, 2018 at 8:28 PM
Evan: Thank you for taking the time to read my stuff and to make a thoughtful comment. oldbuck
Callus Avatar
February 17, 2018 at 4:15 PM
I enjoyed this tribute to a special mentor who knowingly or unknowingly has served to instill a passion for learning (we are never too old to learn, Buck!). Regards // paul
Buck Avatar
February 17, 2018 at 6:57 PM
Paul: Thanks for reading my stuff and commenting. I will tell you at this late date, I feel like that old car out back. It could be saved if someone had endless time and energy to work on it. I've not found that hearty "soul" yet. :o) I'm writing a series of works on Road Kill Stew. Wish me luck.
Petrandis Avatar
February 15, 2018 at 5:13 PM
Wow! What a beautiful work this is. So passionate. You express your feelings so perfectly. I am moved. Shirley
Buck Avatar
February 15, 2018 at 6:56 PM
Shirley: You've just read all my works. If you've seen one you've seen them all. Your works, on the other hand each carry a certain intensity that sets each apart. Keep them coming. Thanks for reading and commenting on my stuff. oldbuck
Allison Avatar
February 5, 2018 at 1:48 PM
I dropped by to see some of the Kramer Sculptures - they are remarkable i especially loved a limited edition called 'circle of life' it is truly beautiful:-) hugs jan xx
Buck Avatar
February 5, 2018 at 1:56 PM
Jan: Thanks for doing that, I will let him know he has a new fan overseas. :o) He is a very nice person but like myself, age is taking a toll on him. I just finished reading a bit of 'Allison', it's hard to keep up with your lightening fast pen. oldbuck
One Avatar
January 27, 2018 at 5:38 PM
Thats a beautiful compliment.. Thank you my friend..
One Avatar
January 28, 2018 at 11:12 AM
I appreciate you my friend..
Buck Avatar
January 27, 2018 at 7:25 PM
S1: I think those of us that have "fewer" friends, value them a bit more than "popular folk do" their masses. :o) Thanks always for reading and commenting on my silly rhymes. oldbuck
Allison Avatar
January 27, 2018 at 2:46 PM
How wonderful you were inspired to write this gem after reading the work of another poet! I have been so blessed to be supported on my poetry journey by so many wonderful people on the site. From being a total novice to poetry I am now reading my wings and flying high:-) hugs Jan xx
Buck Avatar
January 27, 2018 at 7:23 PM
Jan: His name is Richard Kramer. He is a metal sculptor and a poet. He ties those 2 together to produce wonderful works. You find him on the internet under Kramer Sculpture. His son Boris, has pretty much taken over for him now. Thanks for reading and commenting on my piece. oldbuck
One Avatar
January 27, 2018 at 9:35 AM
You are a lucky guy to have a mentor.. I've never really had one.. not even a dad..
Thayer Avatar
March 29, 2019 at 11:55 AM
Silent One that is so sad...): hugs to you.
Buck Avatar
January 27, 2018 at 11:01 AM
S1: I share a bit of your past. My dad died when I was 6. My step-dad, when I was 16. I don't remember any specific mentors but my "muse must". See "Haigh" comment below. I guess today my mentors are folks like you on the soup. :o) Thanks for reading and supporting my work. oldbuck
Lamoureux Avatar
January 27, 2018 at 9:13 AM
You are a fortunate fellow. I enjoyed the warm thoughts.
Buck Avatar
January 27, 2018 at 10:57 AM
Richard: I would be indeed. However: My "mentored" days are 70 years in the past. Today my opportunity is "to be one". It's a great goal for all of us. Thank you for reading and responding in such a thoughtful manner. oldbuck
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