Pass on the Gift

A decade ago
Friends and I met young men
Uprooted from their innocent lives
Who fought for attention
And business to ferry us around
To and from the hostel we stayed
While 'in mission with children
Socially abandoned, forgotten' ...

One dared to ask for help ...
He wanted to better himself
And secure a much progressive life
Away from the humdrum and dangers
Of motodop passenger-ferrying ...

Spotting a potential untapped,
I did respond, and to school
I did put him to learn number accounting ...
In return, he assisted me
In my work with children less fortunate
And in worse shape ...

To Siem Reap, I returned once more
To rekindle friendships ... silver and gold
I once more met the once young man
Now more mature and self-assured
Proudly, he tells me ...
"I thank you for your kindness to me
And I want to return the favor once you gave to me."
I looked at him with awe, but told him instead,
"No.  Knowing that you've put to good use
What you said you would,
I'd rather you yourself find
Someone else to pick up and mold!"
I added ... "GO and PASS ON  the GIFT
That you once received, and be happy!"