Every once in a while a poetic chord strikes me, as it did on my daily morning walk today. Age is on my mind a lot and the deteriorating affects it has on your body and mind. Life is as a good as you make it or think it. I occasionally consider the lines in the song Ooh La La that goes, “I wish that I knew what I know now, when I was younger”. But we can’t and we must deal with what we face, sometimes without thinking much of our legacy. It’s a mixture of good and bad. Regrets are a waste of time. The best we can do is be cognizant of what we do and plan to avoid future regrets. So this is what I whimsied over as Millie, the female Shepard mix I rescued last April 1st, and I toured the neighborhood yet one more time.
Do not cry for me when I am gone
Instead drink wine and fill the room with song
For I’ve lived the life I was given
Even though I have done some things wrong
And as I pass this life to another
in ways that have been done by many others
Do not think upon where I go
There is much left here for you to discover
I’m told there awaits a place of golden streets
or perhaps one where there’s excessive heat.
But I’m convinced there is only that
where our remains are for worms to eat
What ever lies ahead for me shouldn’t be of your concern.
I’m sure that whatever it will be is but one more turn
in a process that seems uncertain to most
As they contemplate life beyond the urn.
We have but one life we know for sure
If there be more it is but a blur
So take what you have and make the best
of all things good and hard, do not demure.
For I believe that life is measured
by much more than our acquired treasure.
By doing all that we can to help each other
And in so doing, find rewarding pleasure.
Remember me then for what I accomplished
My failures were only things unfinished.
Do not regret as your day comes near
that you wasted life on tears relinquished
For one whose gone, leaving you this lesson;
Enjoy what you have without remission







Donna Cavanagh
I like your poetic chords. I also wouldn’t mind meeting the old guy doing the pole vaulting. Now, he looks interesting.
lbwoodgate
It’s 82-year old William Bell of Decatur Illinois. Found him on google images here.
Adam Michael Luebke
That’s a very honest and beautiful poem without being sappy. I like that you referenced jubilation and wine, as did Rumi.
TerranceH
My favorite post of yours by far. I see now there is a wealth of knowledge and wisdom available to me from this site. I’m now sorry I stopped reading it for awhile…
joanhaines
Very nice.
Ron Byrnes
Agreed, beautiful.
lb woodgate
Thanks Ron
Sherry
A good way to live. It is what it is, and you best make the best of it, cuz crying won’t change a thing, only waste more time. Blessings good guy.
lbwoodgate
Amen sister.