Humorous poetry – They make me a dean (1)

In this humorous recollection, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III shares a lighthearted memory from his university days, when he wrote a playful poem during a celebration for the new dean — who was then the head of the Geography Department and a rival to the History Department’s head, where the Pope was a student.

His Holiness wrote the poem imagining himself as a dean for just one month, humorously describing all the changes he would make. He joked that he would retrain all the students until they became as disciplined as “iron,” so careful that they wouldn’t even “step on dough.” Then he playfully added that he would cancel the Geography Department because it caused too much studying — and without it, life would be much easier!

He went on to mockingly say that not knowing about the climate or mountains doesn’t make someone ignorant, repeating funny made-up words like “Lezo, Kezo, and Mezo,” to add a playful rhythm and humor.

As he described, the poem was cheerful and funny, delighting his fellow students and showing the joyful, clever, and humble side of his personality, even as a young man.

Spiritual and Human Message:
Humor is not separate from faith; it can be a beautiful way to express love, humility, and connection with others. A joyful believer knows how to bring smiles without offending anyone, and how to express wisdom with gentleness and kindness.