by Gail D. Manfre
My father encouraged me to explore the world
Great secrets were waiting for me I was told.
My mother taught me daily all her fine ideals
She'd guide me toward the empathy I should feel.
My good parents instructed me wisely, not to always
Follow my heart; certain things later I could save.
I learned a man should possess a love of justice
Rage and disrespect were things I should not trust.
When I left my childhood home, and sailed for Spain,
A man of honor I'd be, this I would forever remain.
I promised my father I'd learn all that I could
Thus, my childhood years, I left them behind for good.
My learned teachers preached: "No Man Is An Island,"
Embrace this noble truth I most surely would.
As an Hidalgo I'd protect my peons as well as friends,
Never to forget justice, never this sacred vow I'd bend.
When I returned to Los Angeles, I sadly found
My dear people were weighed down by evil unbound.
To my dismay, old friends were charged with treason;
How could I oppose a tyrant, this mad man without reason?
Then I remembered my teachers' strong voices:
"No Man Is An Island," everyone must make choices.
If mankind had paid heed, and had only listened
All fear, anger and vice on earth would end,
Peace, truth and justice would rule man instead.
When I was in Spain, great was my skill with the epee,
But rather than foment rebellion, instead The Fox I'd be.
I would not offer the evil Captain relief on honor's field,
Only with sly resistance could surely erase his foul deeds.
My professors stressed that "No Man Is An Island,"
Another's misery is therefore mine to understand.
A tiger's brute strength would not kill this oppression,
Stalk corruption stealthily by night was my decision.
The cloaked fate I chose, my destiny seemed preordained;
Behind a coal black mask a new identity I did retain.
Found a dark steed to ride; like the Santa Ana winds
Fierce Tornado did he fly; and so our mission did begin.
Outlaw I became; but 'twas a very small price to pay,
Since my people lived in fearsome ignoble tyranny.
As Zorro, I caused the base Commandante delays;
For Monasterio, I'd thwart his vile cruelty always.
The mask became me as I nearly lost myself in "Zorro,"
Diego became a "dandy," and my alter ego would be a hero.
So I played the rakish fool as well as the shrewd fox
Cool caballero by day, by night I'd foil all sordid plots.
Outlaw I became, but 'twas a very small price to pay,
Since my people lived in fearsome ignoble tyranny.
As Zorro, I caused the base Commandante delays;
For Monastario, I would thwart his cruelty always.
The mask became me as I nearly lost myself in "Zorro,"
Diego was a "dandy, yet I would let My Fox be a hero.
I became the rakish "fool" as well as The Fox
to defeat evil El Capitán said that he could diminish
Zorro's righteous fire,
By night, Zorro easily outwitted the Commandante's ire.
I chose to drape my soul only in valid honor; I believed
In having utmost reverence for truth for me to be complete.
For myself, I had discovered that truly No Man Is An Island
The quest to crush evil is the most worthy and honest plan.
WRITTEN 1/14/01 IN HONOR OF Guy Williams’ 77TH BIRTHDAY
