I might have been rich if I’d wanted the gold instead of the friendships
I’ve made.
I might have had fame if I’d sought for renown in the hours when I
purposely played.
Now I’m standing to-day on the far edge of life, and I’m just looking
backward to see
What I’ve done with the years and the days that were mine, and all that
has happened to me.
I haven’t built much of a fortune to leave to those who shall carry my
name,
And nothing I’ve done shall entitle me now to a place on the tablets of
fame.
But I’ve loved the great sky and its spaces of blue; I’ve lived with the
birds and the trees;
I’ve turned from the splendor of silver and gold to share in such pleasures
as these.
I’ve given my time to the children who came; together we’ve romped and
we’ve played,
And I wouldn’t exchange the glad hours spent with them for the money that
I might have made.
I chose to be known and be loved by the few, and was deaf to the plaudits
of men;
And I’d make the same choice should the chance come to me to live my life
over again.
I’ve lived with my friends and I’ve shared in their joys, known sorrow with
all of its tears;
I have harvested much from my acres of life, though some say I’ve
squandered my years.
For much that is fine has been mine to enjoy, and I think I have lived to
my best,
And I have no regret, as I’m nearing the end, for the gold that I might
have possessed.
