THE EMINENT PSYCHOLOGIST

To a Friend

(W.H.R. Rivers 1864-1922)

Sanity, Friend, who understood
The turmoil of our minds
Who gained insight where none could see
Untwist where other wind

Mentor, teacher, who never judged
Who failure took away
Made all feel normal if he could
And kept our pain at bay

Though tired, he performed his task
Of making others well
While their condition, in his heart
Was putting him through hell

My dear friend, Rivers, where ere you are,
My thanks I grateful send
--For each time you gave your all
Still now as well as then