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January 15th, 2026
Toronto Poetry Contest #1 – First Place
by Honey Novick
For Imraan Jeeva
to be noble of heart, act with modest servitude
this the first principle
making all the others, less than
in a trumped-up-side-down world
defining principle is significant
service, servitude, to serve has been stigmatized
yet this is the first principle, for me
recognizing humanity
yours, mine, ours
can I serve you?
will I serve all that you represent?
when feeling confident in answering this,
saying yes,
I feel a sense of connection
a wonderful man drove us for hours
in a magical bus
to a foreign place
to dance a gavot of the sublime
he who asked for nothing
gave and gave and gave again
he served a purpose
he served as a friend
he served a mission
he personified humane-ness
this is the first principle of survival
to know when and especially how to serve
illustrates the morality of character
the first principle of respect for oneself and others
is the first step towards wisdom
the first observation of integrity
is the first principle of survival
About the Poet
Honey Novick resides in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Read the poet's biography and Wax Poetry and Art publications
on Honey Novick's Artist Page.
This poem is also featured in Poetry World #14, published in the Wax Poetry and Art Library.
Keywords: service, humanity, survival
Previously published in Toronto Poetry Magazine:
Balance
by Jada Parada-Hemmings
Toronto Poetry Magazine is part of the Wax Poetry and Art Network.
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