For an ambassador of culture, an acrostic* thank you

Reaching for the stars has always been your true occupation:
oh that we could emulate your will,
become half the poet that you are!... Bound by grace,
etched in time — an enthusiasm which knows no limits —
regardless of what was needed, you always rose upward
to meet the need, bestowing immense generosity.

Muse as gift & guide, you lead each of us to Her
in our unique poetic journey, withholding nothing,
loving what you do, and sharing that love with all...
believer in Beauty, Mentor and Champion of the Heart,
you, Robert, remain the Apex & Image of (y)our own fine Art.

Marlene M. Tartaglione
Warwick, NY

A tribute to Robert Milby, Poet Laureate of Orange County, NY from 2017-2019. Milby passed away December 12, 2024 at age 54.

* Acrostic: A poem in which the first letter of each line spells out a word, name or phrase when read vertically.