Reflecting On Simops Poem by Richard Wlodarski

How blessed I've been in life
To have had guidance and love
From such an amazing teacher and coach
How grateful to John for teaching me how to be strong
Extra tough especially on the ice
Whenever bigots tried to freeze me
With racist remarks and ridicule
To not melt in the face of adversity
To remember his lessons through those meaningful songs
To be as passionate about my life and work
As he was about hockey soccer and educating youth
To go that extra mile for those in need
As he had in volunteering his time and skills
To ponder on how many lives he had saved
And how those fortunate and grateful lives
Reflect on their once at risk existence
As a coach and teacher Simops had taught me Life's lessons
As a friend he had taught me how to love and be loved
As an inspiration he had taught me how to fulfill my dreams
Whenever my colleagues are present at the most widely attended seminars
I will lovingly remember Simops and the attendees present in his classes
Whenever I see a man with leather jacket and tie
I will search for the coffee in his left hand and smoke in right
And smile and wonder about the theory of reincarnation