Me on the lower right!
At the festive board I was asked to say a few words. I presented this poem I wrote.
With a deep breath and steeled resolve
he walked to towards the door
Met a man with a square on his hand
And a petition he did have
Months go by and questions pry
as the investigators visit
to query the man and comfort his bride
about the road ahead
Members call and keep in touch
as the decision day draws near
nerves on edge and patienced tested
as he waits for the word he wants to hear
the word is good, and a day is set
all the priciples are there
strange clothes, a cable tow
and hoodwink blocks the light
round and round the lodge he's led
on shakey knees the oath is said
first steps, unfamiliar words
grips and tokens are exchanged
a new family of brothers
gained from otherwise strangers
a fraternity born in antiquity
that survived the trials of history
entereds passed and fellows raised
past masters at the ready
to help the new man find his way
to keep his path strong and steady
and then the day comes to pass the test
and recieve his masters apron
the heavy burden upon his waist
he's learned to wear it proud
begin to put the lessons learned
to good and useful work
and bring good report to his Lodge
from all of those he serves
and one day when he is called
to be the master of his temple
he will have learned all he knows
from the best example.
