To Mike M.
***
While we’re about to drink and eat,
This little story must be told -
Of him who came in from the heat,
Like others would do - from the cold.
He’s been on both sides of the hill,
And seen it all, and done it all.
Where others ended standing still,
He also stood, but he stood tall.
Life sometimes was a little rude
And tried to take him for a ride.
But hasty hate could not intrude
On him who kept his calm and pride.
Be it Headquarters or the Field,
Addends would never change the sum:
He never learned the verb “to yield”,
For he preferred “to overcome”.
For those in a constructive mood,
A plough is better than a sword,
And subtle words are just as good
To face the often angry Board.
No gun, no bomb, no boxing glove -
His simple wish was cool and Zen:
That everlasting peace and love
Invade for good the minds of men.