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The Mentor

How was it that I knew so little?
Your constant admonishments seemed so brittle.
But, as time progressed from day to day
I began to realize, that was just your way.

You taught me things I knew not
and in all the years, it was a lot.
Naivete' was my strong suit,
with a little stupidity thrown in to boot.

We came often at times to loggerheads 
You often chimed, "Something above your neck must be dead".
Yet, you helped me to carve out a life for me and mine
and took me to places where you knew I would shine.

You were patient with me in your own way
as I struggled to learn from day to day.
You acted as father, brother, friend and boss,
It was only today, that I learned of my loss.

No longer will I hear your soliloquy,
The depth of your loss, I have yet to see.
For you were my Mentor in times of fun and strife,
I will carry your memory...the rest of my life.

in fond memory of: Dick Clemmensen

written...10/31/15

Copyright © Dan Cwiak | Year Posted 2015

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Andrea Dietrich Date: 11/14/2015 8:01:00 PM this is a really touching poem. Did he depart a short time ago? Sorry for your loss, Dan. Login to Reply Dan Cwiak Date: 11/17/2015 6:36:00 PM Thanks, Andrea. Yes, he was buried last week. Our relationship was a strong one at one time, but I had not seen him in years and it was only by chance that we saw the obituary in time for me to get to the funeral. The poem came to me that day afterwards.

CayCay Jennings Date: 11/6/2015 4:38:00 PM I am so sorry for your loss. I know this poem was part of your therapy towards healing and it is beautifully written. I know Dick heard and felt it in whatever he possibly can. Be blessed, Dan ... CayCay Login to Reply Dan Cwiak Date: 11/8/2015 1:48:00 PM Thanks, CayCay. I had not seen him in years, but the memories of such a long association (18 years) came to me at his funeral. It would have been difficult to tell him while he was alive. I suppose it was a sort of therapy, but you would have to know the whole story, and that would take more time than I have.

Sara Kendrick Date: 11/3/2015 5:16:00 AM Great honor to your friend and mentor..I enjoyed reading your thoughts about him..Thanks for the visit to my page..My mother used wax paper cut to each pan and she also greased and floured the pan..When the layers cooled she would pull the wax paper off the layer..I always used a pan that had cutter that you run around the pan..I haven't baked in a long time for we are both diabetic that is except for certain items occasionally and on holidays..I did banana nut bread last week..Sara Login to Reply Dan Cwiak Date: 11/3/2015 2:02:00 PM Thanks for the visit, Sara. I don't know how my mother did it, except that whatever she did, I loved it. I appreciate your comments.

Kp Nunez Date: 11/1/2015 3:52:00 AM I echo John's sentiment. This is a well-written, heartfelt piece. Did you get to read this at his necro service? If not, the family would surely appreciate a copy of this, framed. 7. hugs! Login to Reply Dan Cwiak Date: 11/1/2015 10:48:00 AM I did not get to read this at the service, but did plan to send it to his children. Thanks for the read and your comments.

John Fleming Date: 11/1/2015 2:33:00 AM Dan, if someone was to write such an eulogy about myself and repeat this over my cold, prone body...My soul would soar and rejoice! Beautifully put. My best regards! :) john P.s A Seven! Login to Reply Dan Cwiak Date: 11/1/2015 2:42:00 AM Thanks, John. I appreciate your read and comments about this one.