Returned today from the first day of my faculty orientation at the University of Manitoba.  Our President began the day by sharing a poem with us.  It really struck me, and I thought I would share it here.

Largesse
Micheal O’Siadhail 

The generous sink into traces they leave in us,

In tiers of personality, gestures, words we use,

Flashbacks to small confirmations, that hand lain

On a shoulder.  The generous are still a glow within.

Confident, they knew nothing diminished their glory,

As they nourished seeds to flower for a while in me.

The jealous I begin to forget, frightened spirits

Nipping the buds of younger and younger threats.

The turning point and I face both ways like Janus.

Recall how terribly you needed praise.  Then choose.