DEPARTING
Comes a moment of truth, long after our youth,
To reflect on what we've left behind.
Was life's every intention, really worthy of mention,
Or, were we all too often unkind?
Did we always play fair, pitch in, do our share,
Above board, ne'er indiscreet?
Or beguile our peers, all of our living years,
Engulfed in our own self-conceit?
The time comes, you know, when we all have to go,
And leave our loved ones to grieve.
Will their memories of that person they love,
Measure up when we take our leave?
Did we strive for our best in life's every test,
Praise others, not ridicule?
Did we shoot from the hip and sometimes bite our lip,
Abiding by the Golden Rule?
Did we set an example, by leaving a sample,
Of intentions e'er well defined?
Did we live by the book in things we undertook,
Leaving worthy mementos behind?
After time for bereaving will folks mourn out leaving,
Wishing us back from the dead?
And long after were gone will thoughts linger on?
No! Not if we failed folks instead.
Somehow it beseems, whence comes eternal dreams,
That mortals all should inherit,
Their rightful reward from whomever their Lord,
But no more than their worldly deeds merit.
Ó Richard Beougher - 2003
Gramps
