Final Presentations

It has been rather quiet on the blog here lately. This past weekend we had our 14 December graduates on campus for their colloquium presentations; as such, it has been rather hectic as I have been reviewing and editing their 30 page papers and making plans to host their presentations.

One of the students shared a poem with the class that she learned about 20 years ago. It wasn't until later in life that she made the connection about the author and his influence on Servant Leadership. The poem is by Herman Hesse, who inspired Robert Greenleaf to write The Servant as Leader.

The poem is 'Stages' and I've included it below. It comes from one of his last major works, The Glass Bead Game.

"Stages" by Herman Hesse

As every flower fades and as all youth
Departs, so life at every stage,
So every virtue, so our grasp of truth,
Blooms in its day and may not last forever.
Since life may summon us at every age
Be ready, heart, for parting, new endeavor,
Be ready bravely and without remorse
To find new light that old ties cannot give.
In all beginnings dwells a magic force
For guarding us and helping us to live.
Serenely let us move to distant places
And let no sentiments of home detain us.

The Cosmic Spirit seeks not to restrain us
But lifts us stage by stage to wider spaces.
If we accept a home of our own making,
Familiar habit makes for indolence.
We must prepare for parting and leave-taking
Or else remain the slave of permamence.
Even the hour of our death may send
Us speeding on to fresh and newer spaces,
And life may summon us to newer races.
So be it, heart: bid farewell without end.