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Tribute To a Simple Man

He lived a simple life
  He was a simple man
He never had a wife
  He had a different plan

He wore the priestly collar
  He lived a life of service
You never heard him holler
  Nothing made him nervous 

Several pulpits did he refuse
  Summoned by a worldly muse
Radical students would he infuse
  With old-fashioned values and views

At an East-coast college he did teach
  Engaging students with humble manner
Principled, rational; he never preached 
  Didn't wave religion on a banner

I took his course; so glad I did
  He personified what was kind and good
Though I was steeped in sin, God forbid
  He treated me as a father would

Invited me into his home
  Holy books crammed into every nook
We talked and dreamed, together roamed
  Beyond dry lessons and textbooks

I'll never forget this gentle saint
  As long as I do live
With humanity did he (me) acquaint
  Taught me from my heart to give



                     July 16, 2019
 Favorite Poem in Rhyme from July, 2019 Contest
                   Sponsor: Julia Ward

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Arturo Michael

Date: 7/17/2019 4:59:00 AM

A wonderful man indeed...not one to miss...

Gershon Wolf
Date: 7/17/2019 1:48:00 PM

He was, indeed, a man not to miss, as you punctuated it, Arturo. Thank you for your insight. Best wishes, gw

Quoth Theraven

Date: 7/16/2019 11:44:00 PM

Gershon, I like this poem. Forgive me, but I wonder about the books, all those books he chose to keep. I heard somewhere "a book a year will be of help. But a book a day will change your life." -Richard

Gershon Wolf
Date: 7/17/2019 1:47:00 PM

Thanks for that memorable quote, Richard. In this case, this man probably changed his life---and changed mine as well. Thank you for the insight. Warm wishes, Gershon

W.A. Cholt

Date: 7/16/2019 6:04:00 PM

Very fine tribute. It's such a blessing to encounter people like this who are kind, sincere, true. An example to so many of us.

Gershon Wolf
Date: 7/16/2019 6:34:00 PM

So true, W.A. It was indeed a blessing for me at a relatively tender age. Blessings, gw

Michelle Faulkner

Date: 7/16/2019 3:17:00 PM

Your mentor sounds like a wise and inspiring man, this is a touching tribute!

Gershon Wolf
Date: 7/16/2019 6:34:00 PM

Very inspiring, he was... Actually he was a tremendous inspiration to me, although not really a mentor. Thank you for the feedback, Michelle! :) gw