Comments on: Manvotional: The Bridge Builder

By: William The Bridge Builder

William The Bridge Builder — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 15:37:14 +0000

It inspires me to be a better person.

By: MJ

MJ — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 15:51:38 +0000

Those who have never brought life into this world, raised children, and experienced the joy, sorrow, and satisfaction of being a parent, will never truly understand this poem.

By: Adam

Adam — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 21:43:28 +0000

Hopefully my little brother will hear this poem soon.

@ C.J., Chris, Olin, Steven, Drew, and Hayes

_kai_

By: Paul Hass

Paul Hass — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 18:31:31 +0000

A wonderful poem. Applicable to a number of my coaches in HS and college that filled the void of a father that passed away too early.

By: Nick Robinson

Nick Robinson — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 14:54:21 +0000

Nice!
Just here for my regular shot of manvotion, and this really did it,
thanks for this and the rest of the site

By: Joe Ryan

Joe Ryan — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 19:11:47 +0000

There’s an old saying that goes something like:

“A Society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.”

This story reminded me a bit of that. Great stuff.

By: Chad

Chad — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 14:20:21 +0000

Love this poem. I love how it is in a narration format.
I just finished memorizing “If” by Rudyard Kipling. I think this one may be next.

By: Hayes

Hayes — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 05:05:18 +0000

Not to be too repetitive, but I thought you guys might appreciate that this poem has guided the last three and some odd years of my life to a degree I never would have predicted. Have faith that your bridge still stands and that many more will cross.

@ C.J., Chris, Olin, Steven, and Drew

_kai_

By: Mick

Mick — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 21:58:59 +0000

I’m just a few short days away from turning 40. I don’t see it as a Mile-stone, but rather, as a Mill-stone. I see myself as the young man in this poem. Each step is drawing me closer to seeing the old mans bones on the wayside.
This poem makes me think about the reason I exist. To pave the way for my own children, so that they may travel faster, easier and give them the opportunity to achieve more than I was able in my own life.
Poems have a habit of meaning different things to different people, with no one meaning being totally correct. Who knows what was in the mind of the writer, except the writer themselves.

By: Jeremy

Jeremy — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 21:04:40 +0000

Excellent poem.

@Warren

Your comment rings true, my friend. These bridges, built upon the struggle, hardship and firm foundation of experience from those who have gone before us, are the key to building a generation of young men better than ourselves. I’ve heard it said, if a parent can succeed in passing less than 50% of his/her own faults, bad habits, and self-brought pitfalls to his/her child, then they can succeed in their duty of parenting.

I believe we can gain strength and encouragement to continue doing what is right from leaders like this one, wise bridge builder.