It’s a dark and stormy night, quite late,
And I’ve long wanted to take some time
To praise you, my high school classmate.
Here’s my unpolished but sincere tribute, in rhyme.
At home in the countryside,
On Facebook or downtown,
You promote a world unified
And settle us all down.
While reinforcing ways we adaptively cope,
You assist us in surviving any ordeal.
You provide us with rays of realistic hope
(And art posts of warm appeal).
Our best qualities you validate
With innate harmony and serenity.
Our moods you successfully elevate;
This eases our path to tranquility.
Human rights you’re tirelessly advocating
And our well-being continually pursuing.
Always encouraging and appropriately validating.
Our hopes and dreams you succeed in renewing.
Fostering our self-awareness, always encouraging,
Your raison d'être: our souls to nourish.
Always supportive, never discouraging.
You seek world peace, that humankind may flourish.
All your life, with unflagging dedication:
An activist for people great and small,
You’ve assisted us toward self-determination.
Here’s to you, Pat— thanks from us all!
Will Walsh