My Father's Word

He taught me truth when I was ripe to learn,
Said, "Knowledge costs, though not what you might earn.
It lies along the road, not wrapped in gold,
But waits for seekers—brave, alert, and bold."

He warned me, "When you grasp it, guard it well,
Lest pride arise, and wisdom slip and fell.
Be humble, son, yet never bow in fear,
Your voice is power, let the world hear."

“Choose peace,” he said, “but not the coward's way,
Don’t die on knees where you were born to sway.
Stand firm with grace, though storms may toss the land,
For truth walks strongest in a steady hand."