I will never forget my first day at O'Hara in the Autumn of '75 as I entered the World Encyclopedia of John's Realm disguised as a French Class in a suburban Catholic High School. Our own little Hogwarts where the magical, mystical world began for many of us. How did he pull it off, simply put: his creative wit, deep humanity, incredible sensibility, warm heart and ingratiating charm. It has taken over 50 years for John to inspire me to write poetry; however, last night as I first discovered John had transcended the bounds of his earthly body for other planes of consciousness where he will enlighten, I felt the need to return the gifts that he generously offered and dedicate my efforts below to his and our collective memories and consciousness. As I am retired there is no need to keep my day job due to the success or failure of this poetical coming out.LOL Joe McMahon III aka one time Lion, aka Joel McMahon 9/1/26 The Lotus The Lotus Sitting Breathing Smiling The Lotus Welcomed us Saw us Accepted us Comforted us Entertained us Led us Taught us Opened us Perplexed us Mentored us Inspired us Enlightened us Prepared us And sent us On our journey . . . . . . . . . . . .from our common walls As he continued his journey of peace and enlightenment! Bless All, The Lotus The Wallabee Gum Shoe The Crepe Soul Sewn to the soft suede Enveloppant les pieds Resting peacefully Beneath the knees Of the Lotus Treading gently upon the Path Of Life Quietly In deference to other Voices The connective soul holding us in ever so subtle ways The Deep Brown Eyes The rare penetrating eyes The twinkling eyes The knowing eyes The warm accepting eyes Silently searching the inner depths The gentle seeker In deep conversation with the ancient Ideas, wisdoms, beliefs and Spirits The Boomerang Smile The Teacher Throwing out New ideas Wide views New horizons Strange ideas All juxtaposed @, 2 + 4 The student Listening Digesting Analyzing Understanding A brief unanticipated moment Returning the teacher’s gift Acknowledgement A boomerang smile Twinkle Twinkle twinkle Big brown eyes, Who always Had for me, A surprise; Who always Opened up for me, The skies! The Gandalf of Lionshire The Dumbledore of O’Haraworts The Obi-Wan of Wawa The Merlin of Marple To all those who sent your remembrances and to all those who helped create our memories , thanks you. John, May you find bliss in the abundance that you gave!