My family’s poet laureate, Harris Gardner, presented the following at the 50th birthday party held in honor of my nephew, Jason Scolnick.
Sword of a Troubadour
To Jason Scolnick on his 50th Birthday
From your realm of Self,
Your mystical music beguiles
Murmured harmonies of the spheres.
May your desires and dreams
Exceed those of Don Quixote;
May your songs soar to the frontier
Of the firmament and stun
A chorus of angels into mute wonder.
May your lyrics purify the ocean
To sustain the life that flows below.
Ranks of waves will render thanks.
May your strain be your weapon’s
Honed edge to lead the advance
Against any qualms that may
Rein in resolve, Raise your guidon!
Lift your music’s sabre;
Let its vibrant voice be heard.
As you set sail to further explore
Your mind’s hope-filled horizon,
Know that inspired labor will prevail.
Harris Gardner