What shall become of my wasted years?
 For them how shall I pay?
Though I should shed a river of tears
 I can’t wash them away.

What was I thinking when I wandered?
 What did I hope to win?
Oh, that back then this thought I’d pondered:
 There is no joy in sin.

Many distractions for my time vied,
 Many temptations came;
On my own strength I often relied,
 Each time I came to shame.

Yet, still, I did not the lesson learn,
 I had to have my way;
For the forbidden things my heart yearned:
 Now the price I must pay.

How shall I answer for my misdeeds?
 How can I justify
All of those years of sowing bad seeds
 When it comes time to die?

Answer I shall, but what shall I say?
 And, will He understand?
No, for my sins I’ll be forced to pay.
 Things haven’t gone as planned.

I never meant my whole life to waste,
 I thought I’d come around;
But the facts of life I never faced:
 And now to pay I’m bound.

Listen my friend to what I now say:
 Life is too quickly gone;
Though now you’re young, you’ll soon pass away,
 So do what must be done.

Yesterday’s gone, forever lost,
 Tomorrow you shall die.
So take time today to count the cost,
 Lest life should pass you by.

H. L. Gradowith
10-25-2000