Humorous verse – Geography (2)

In this humorous recollection, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III shares a story from his university days, when he composed a satirical poem about geography titled “A Strange Thing That Barely Enters My Mind.” The story reveals his playful spirit and sense of humor in facing academic challenges.

Background:
At that time, the Dean of the college was Professor Hassan Ibrahim Hassan, and his rival for the position was Professor Mohamed Awad Mohamed, head of the geography department. Because of this, jokes about the geography department were kindly accepted by both professors and students — especially since students struggled to pass the subject.

The Humorous Poem:
As a student, Pope Shenouda wrote a funny poem describing his difficulty understanding geography, saying that “it barely enters my mind.” He humorously mentioned the confusion of remembering the many kinds of winds and their directions.

Humor and Learning:
The story reflects Pope Shenouda’s joyful approach to life — using humor and creativity to turn frustration into laughter and connection.

Human Side:
It highlights the Pope’s humility and humanity, showing him as a student who once struggled but chose joy over discouragement.

Educational Message:
True learning is not about pressure but about joy. Even the hardest subjects can become lighter when approached with creativity and a smile.

Message:
Knowledge is best gained not through stress or force, but through calm understanding and a cheerful heart that transforms difficulty into positive energy and light.

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