..........Last Words..........

Here I lie looking up at the ceiling,
And the scenery now is revealing:
I can tell by the preacher in the back,
And my wife and children all wearing black,
That to my life I have now bid adieu.
But first, my friend, I have a word for you:
For I now see what life was all about,
And I tell you without one single doubt:
That life is indeed a great mystery,
And too soon we pass into history;
And just when we think we've learned all the tricks,
And that we've endured all its toughest licks,
Some old "Johnny come lately" comes along
And tells you that all you have done is wrong!
So you pick up all the pieces and start,
To "the mark for the prize" you set your heart,
And despite the difficulties you meet
You still try to stand upon your own feet.
But everyone tells you that you will fail,
They say you are sick and ever so frail,
That no one expects you to meet success,
But you keep on trying, nonetheless!
And just when it seems things are going well,
You hear in the distance that clanging bell
Announcing to all your impending doom,
Filling your soul with such sadness and gloom.
But you press along and never waver.
The sweet smell of victory you savor!
When you've climbed the mountain and seen the view
You know that nothing else will ever do.
You have seen the sweet, precious promised land,
And you know that you're worthy there to stand;
So you bursh off concerns and press along --
Never thinking once that you may be wrong.
And then it comes down to just one mistake,
...If only I didn't that wrong road take...
But maybe, just maybe, you'll be all right...
If you try really hard...with all your might...
But then the self-doubts begin to set in;
And you learn you're the same as other men.
And though once you stood tall, proud and alone
And conquered your troubles all on your own
You're at other's mercy and so helpless,
Then panic sets in, great fear and distress;
But you stand assured, you've made it before...
Besides, you're destined to stand on that shore...
So you roll up your sleeves and get to work,
You never were one your duty to shirk.
Now, while these things are happening to you,
And as you give them the time they are due,
You never once think of the price you pay
As your children grow older ev'ry day,
And the love of your life grows distant,
Still your troubles never seem to relent.
Then one day you find yourself here lying
With your loved ones all mourning your dying;
And you learn for yourself what's really true:
That once you have died it's too late for you.
Your last chance has passed, your work now is done,
The afterlife for you has just begun!
And all of the things that you worked so for
Are meaningless once you have reached that shore.
So, my friend, as you journey -- please beware:
Whatever you do, take time to prepare.

..........H. L. Gradowith..........