Looking Back

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.

                                                         by Edgar A. Guest