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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