And in the end we follow them—
not because we are paid,
not because we might see some advantage,
not because of the things they have accomplished,
not even because of the dreams they dream
but simply because of who they are:
standing up here when the waves hit the rock,
passing out faith and confidence like life jackets
knowing the currents, holding the doubts,
imagining the delights and terrors of every landfall:
captain, pirate and parent by turns,
the bearer of our countless hopes and expectations.
We give them our trust. We give them our effort.
What we ask in return is that they stay true.
–William Ayot