he remembers
carries their comments with him
in his bones
wherever he goes
“a diamond in the rough”
“something special”
hand-written notes
from respected mentors
and so he does the same
takes the time
at the end of the long day
filled with letters and papers
n’er do wells,
laborers,
and aces
all receive honest words:
“you are special”
“good work”
“I see you”
in the hopes
that some fire
is kindled