Book of Life
O, mortal man please realize
each moment of the day
you are an author in disguise.
Don't write your life away.
The plot is mostly up to you-
this you must comprehend.
Your character has much to do,
so please do not pretend.
It's wise to pause and then take stock
of chapters of the past.
Be mindful of the ticking clock,
for time does travel fast.
Once in a while please take a look
if gracious poetry
is written in your precious book
or mournful tragedy.
You'd like to think it's destiny
that guides your pearly pen;
But you should know free agency
is granted to all men.
The cover of your book may be
all tattered and worn out,
but that is not what you should see
or really care about.
What matters are the contents of
your daily diary:
the underlying story of
your life's discovery.
Remember, then, when you awake
each morning, my dear friend,
the steps you take, each choice you make
all matter in the end.
� 2004 Anne Maarit Ghan
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