Life Audit

By Clara Blair

Sometimes, feeling cheated
Of the things I might have done,
I lie here wondering where
My life has gone.

The years have flown so quickly,
Full of duty, guilt and chores.
I look back dumbly wishing
There'd been more.

As I tally up my ledger,
Double entries fill the sheet.
Surprised, I find the bitter
Matched by sweet.

Maybe I could have done better,
But I know that I've seen worse,
And I finish with thanksgiving,
Not a curse.

What I leave for those who follow,
As a lesson to be learned,
Is that happiness, like honor,
Must be earned.

© 2003 Clara Blair