I could say a million thanks for being a source of inspiration
Your zeal and tenacity towards ensuring you raise a balanced army runs deep
You are a light, an awe of creation
Many works of yours I wish to forever keep
I can remember the first day I met you
You entered my world with not-so-subtle words
Every word spoken seemed like an arrow shot from a bow
Perfectly hitting the target, my heart, and redirecting my world.
I faced trials and tribulations
I spent days in frustration and tears
But you stood beside me, remained steadfast, in concentration
With compassion, you lent me your gentle ears
There were days I stumbled and fell
I had your words as an anchor, a beacon of light
There were days I gave up and sat in the well
Your encouragement was a light, aiding my sight
Many see a lady steadfast
They praise who I have gradually become
Many say she does so well, with no failure in her past
They do not know your impact on the struggles I have overcome
So, I dedicate these words to you
Letting the world know of a man so blessed
A man transforming lives like you
A man of caliber yet easily accessed
Maybe it was your unwavering belief in me
Or it was your words
But you took a risk believing in the giant in me
And through your gentle leading, I became an envy to my world
I became a phoenix under your mentorship
Emerging anew despite the ashes of my past
We gradually moved through our relationship
Much more than the required mentorship cast
I would not deny present moments of self-doubt
Days I would believe less in my worth
I would speak also of days I wanted an out
When I could not see the evidence of my worth
In prayers, in encouragement
You weren’t found lagging
In laughter, in acknowledgment
You always showed me different ways of engaging
Many see the refined me
The lady you have worked on
Many see the wise me
The lady you have invested upon
I could speak of your unending love
A love so strong, couldn’t be quenched
Mirror showed me we need not to be related by blood
Our hearts as one had clenched
I am honored to know You
Your impact cannot be measured
It is always a privilege to be associated with you
And to speak of your works that are treasured
Like a ripple or wave across the sea
Is your first achievement in life to me
It did not stop at you but grew to become pods in a pea
Nourishing many, and especially to me
So, dear trailing light, please believe me
Your impact on my life has become an indelible mark
And to move away from this light, far be it from me
For I would keep following till the sands of time testify to my mark
An ode I wrote to my trailing light
That someday, we would see face-to-face
And though I still face self-doubt as a daily fight
Your words will always be the strength to run my race.