Legacy

By Clara Blair

What do we leave behind us
When we quit this life?
Organic material
To be recycled?
Genes to act out again
The best, the worst,
The ordinary in us?

We are more than matter.
The energy we put forth
Is a greater gift to the future
Than even children.

Each of us touches others,
Whether we -- or they -- know it or not.
Kindness matters. Passion matters.
Doing the right thing matters.
Courage matters, even if we never
Taste its fruit.

Children born after your name is forgotten
May have better lives because once
You said "No!" You may never know
If you have been heard,
But that is not the point.

You speak because you must.
You give, feed, shelter, struggle,
Fight because you must.
And if all you can do is speak,
That can be a great act of courage
Inspiring others to do what you cannot.

Your sadness, your losses, your dread
Cannot dim the bright light you shine on
Your small piece of eternity.

© 2003 Clara Blair