A Tribute to Mentors

A Tribute to Mentors

By Nia Singletary

Hey, excuse me, Mr. Mentor, I’ve got a question,
How many lives have you saved, in your own confession?
How many pathways did you pave, to light the way?
You see, that young man was lost, almost led astray.

He was walking down the wrong path, full of strife,
Avoiding thoughts of change, almost ending his life.
But in your eyes, he saw love, a care so rare,
You were present, aware, through each moment you shared.

A father figure, filling the gap of a father's loss,
With every day, he grew, a better life to emboss.
Did you know, Mr. Mentor, you became his inspiration?
A hero, no cape, no mask, just dedication.

No more running the streets, no more living in fear,
He’s off to college now, making his future clear.
Helping mama sleep, knowing she doesn’t have to worry,
You saved his life, and it didn’t take a hurry.

Did you know you became his hero, his guide?
Every time he looked in the mirror, his confidence grew wide.
In honor of you, he knew he’d make no mistake,
No longer a stereotype, he’d rise for his own sake.

Mr. Mentor, you helped break a chain so old,
Generational curses, now a story retold.
No more gang life, no more streets in his veins,
Now he reads Baldwin and Morrison, no more chains.

You watered a rose that grew from the concrete,

Tended to the petals, made them flourish so sweet.
How did you do it? How did you plant the seed?
Your kindness, your care, that’s all he would need.

Oh, Miss Mentor, may I have a minute with you?
Can I ask how you helped her shine through?
Since she met you, her smile beams bright,
She walks with confidence, her spirit takes flight.

She grew up in darkness, the odds all against her,
A foster child, seeking love, but still unsure.
Bullied at school, lost in the crowd,
A shy girl, with dreams buried under a cloud.

She didn’t know her worth, or even her place,
Avoiding eye contact, feeling out of grace.
She sought love in bad places, confusion her plight,
Tried ending her pain, but God had other plans that night.

Miss Mentor, you didn’t know, but you appeared just in time,
Like the fairy godmother, helping her to climb.
You spoke life into her, poured love into her soul,
Revived her dreams, made her feel whole.

Do you remember, Miss Mentor, when you spoke her name,
How she felt warmth, a love that became her flame?
You reminded her of Cinderella, a dream to hold tight,
A fairy godmother who made everything right.

You healed her inner child with just a smile,
No longer defensive, she walked with style.
Now she has a big sister, a mother, a guide,
An auntie, a grandmother, with love in stride.

Miss Mentor, you revived her dreams anew,
You helped her see she’s a queen, strong and true.
Every day she watches, admires your grace,
How you speak, how you carry yourself in every place.

You helped her see her worth, revived her belief,
In herself, in her power, a newfound relief.
You gave her a voice, helped her find her way,
Now she’s walking tall, in a brighter new day.

I believe the children are our future, we must guide them, teach them well,
Let them lead the way, their stories we’ll tell.
The Greatest Love of All, Michael Masser’s song,
A timeless anthem, where mentors belong.

So we honor you, for the love you give,
The greatest love of all, through which they live.
Mentors, you’re the heart, the foundation, the key,
The greatest love of all, setting future generations free.