The World Is Full of Dreamers
by Michael Doyle

The world's history is played out on stages
Some of which have filled a thousand pages
But these pages are the stuff of unequal dreams
Those who dream by daylight do so as it seems

Not with vanity but with what makes this possible
One such man was T.E. Lawrence, who proved capable
As his life taught those things dearest reader
Of what it is that it takes to make a principled leader

Still, it is wise to remember a bit of humor each day
And those things that are the other lessons he might say
As he did the impossible to win, he did so with precision
By keeping in mind the need for clarity of vision

One of the best lessons of leadership is to have humility
Enough to allow those who follow you to maintain dignity
Being willing to serve and sacrifice with strong integrity
While speaking truth to power for your people quite loyally

The good manners of custom and compassion require showing
That you have studied the ways of your people, and in knowing
Their dreams and lives and the beauty of their mystery
And in so doing begin to create your own paths of history

This is how leaders dream greatness into the lives well-led
Taking others to the impossible of lives from rivers that are fed
On the paths across the deserts, which are quite like oceans
Subject to a million emotions and channeled devotions

Despite the numerous obstacles that make a struggle impossible
The true leader helps followers to know that they are capable
Nothing is written until a visionary writes it in his head
And pushes forward on behalf of all those he or she has led

In the scheme of things, of all the people who are found
Each must be known among the details of the total battleground
The best among the led, follow as a matter of their own pleasure
And that secret alone has the most value given away in treasure

(c) December 2, 2023  Michael Doyle
All Rights Reserved