I honor you

Your fierceness
and devotion

To family and friends

Your calling to be a teacher
and your love of nature
 
Of God's creatures

Your sense of humor, too
I honor you

the place in you

that invites the beggar
to stand for what is

How you strive to respect

those who disagree with you
I honor your light

Your grace

A beauty that brings light
to every space

I honor our friendship

Our children
and the way

you make me proud

  **************************

George Cassidy Payne is a social worker and adjunct instructor of philosophy. He lives and works in Rochester, NY.