1998-0101 Poem ‘James A. Robley’ by Jonathan Horelick from 1998-0100 and 0200 Sudarshan, Volume 7, Number 1, Page 2

Twenty-eight years ago,
it was you
 who first arrived to the United States
  from the island of Tobago.
Despite the congestion, the frenzied pace and neon glare,
it was you
 who continued to grow deeper and more friendly.

It was you
 who was a carpenter with a thirst for God's songs.

It was you
 whose loving heart was solid
  like the foundation of an elementary school building.

It was you
 who was a man able to tickle
  the grey skies of daily life
   then gaze, like a curious child,
    at the pouring laughter.

It was you
 who was also an inconspicuous poet,
  extracting the heart of each word
   to arouse pure joy
    immersed in sensitivity to others.

It was you
 a simple yet complex man
  who gave without a thought.

It was you
 who was as graceful and, yes, as noble
  as you were big and strong.

It was you
 who was able to live
  free of frustration,
 so relaxed and satisfied in your being
  and just in being.

It was you indeed
 who was the "professor"
  teaching by way of his own example.

And we who had a glimpse of you are forever grateful.