The Beginning Of Wisdom Poem by John F. McCullagh

"I desire to gain wisdom." said the acolyte to the Priest.
"There are many paths to wisdom, Karol, imitation is the least."
"In imitating someone who you perceive to be wise,
A false sophistication you display before men's eyes."
"Experience is the hardest path, contemplation is the best.
Read widely and love deeply, Karol, and be ready for the test."
"In suffering there is wisdom gained for those who are devout.
The stony path to Golgotha we cannot do without."

"Consider the fate of common grapes ripening on the vine.
Some may become raisins in the withering sunshine.
Others will be squeezed for juice or fermented into wine.
The rest will be distilled and become brandy in due time."
"Each you see is useful, transformed by the Vintners art."
"Our lives are not our own but each must play his part."

Father Figlewicz began the mass with Karol as his server.
They were the only souls that day that came to the Cathedral.
Outside, the Stukas bombed Krakow, the City would not stand.
Evil, like a darkening cloud, spread out across the land.
For many years Poles were enslaved, trapped in Dictator's hands,
But Karol Wojtyla was a most uncommon man.
He would not forget his people, he would work and never cease
Until the day the Soviet fell and Poland was released.