In a tribute to János Bak, if I were a poet I would compose a romance. The hero would be called János the Tireless. In it he would wander a great many ways, through deep dark forests, and visit many faraway castles bringing friendship, books, new perspectives, new quests and intellectual challenges to their lords so that he would be welcomed with elation everywhere. He would succeed in many an adventure against great odds, protected by his armor, Grand Narrative. Should a damsel, Lucid Speech, heir to her father’s great estate be wooed and attacked by the Lord of Undisciplined Thinkers, he would dispatch him on the spot. Tracked and ambushed repeatedly by the giant, False Argument, he would win each battle with the aid of his excellent sword, Clarity of Thought. Young scholars, both men and women, lost in the primeval Forest of Documents he would lead to the Fountain of Grand Synthesis. Gradually his fama would grow so great that the very mention of his name could force the Ogre of Ignorance to cower at his shield of civilization.
But since I am not a poet, I can only write, dear János, I am grateful for your personal care and mentoring in my own intellectual development these many years. Many happy returns of the day!!!
Love, Mária
Mária Dobozy
