A Socratic View

Andy and I were pleased with our intervention.

Maybe we simply accelerated Javier’s promotion.

Of course, we may have allowed this deserving young man

To advance too soon?

From our point of view, he  always worked hard,

But would stop gardening, offer a smile and say good morning.

When asked, Javier filled me in on his schooling.

He was a Mexican kid in his sophomore year at the University.

He was a liberal’s idealized Hispanic;

Working his way through college

In his honestly hard-fought

Attempt to join the middle class.

Was there someone as “qualified” with seniority

And an equally compelling story?

Perhaps a little older with a family to support?

Surely it was not for us to examine all alternatives?

What we did was consistent with our judgment.

Just putting in a “good word” was reasonable.

Indeed, it would have been wrong to not do so.

I would do it again… after only a moment’s hesitation.