Benigno M. Torres

The Man Upon the Stone There once was a wise man who sat upon a stone, A place where many gathered, yet none felt alone. They came seeking wisdom, some comfort, some peace, And somehow left stronger, their worries released. Some came seeking purpose, unsure where to go; Others brought burdens that few would ever know. They sat there beside him, then went on their way, Finding new courage to face each day. For years they believed that the stone held the power, Until an eight-year-old boy stopped by one hour. “Wise man,” he asked, “what makes this stone so great?” The old man smiled and invited him to stay. “Son, the power was never the stone. It was always in you, though you may not have known. This place gives you room to rest and be still, To discover your courage, your strength, and your will.” Years passed by, but the lesson lived on, Even when the wise man himself was gone. And when you pass that stone down Walnut Street, Remember his kindness, the welcome you’d meet. Benny no longer sits upon that stone, But the love that he shared is still our own. The stone still stands. His memory lives, In the courage we carry and the love we give. In loving memory of Benigno M. Torres