By David Roth
© 29 December, 2003
I find that there is less ahead
Than what I’ve left behind,
And as this year draws to a close
A few things come to mind.
The future, none too distant now,
Is drawing ever near
And as I face to great unknown,
I see there’s less to fear.
I know that in a little while
My Maker I will face,
And wonder at the awesome peace
I find within His grace.
But still I view the passing years
With all I’ve lived and done,
If in the grande, great scheme of things,
What things I’ve left undone?
Did I take time along the way
To say a gentle word
To someone needing just an ear,
Or were there cries unheard?
Or interrupt my busy life
To lend a helping hand
To some ship drifting in the night
Whose passing crossed my land?
And when, in life, I had the choice
To help or to ignore,
Was I so caught up with myself
I simply shut a door?
Could I have been a better friend
To those whose lives I touched?
And in the balance did I give,
Or did I take so much?
My years are drawing to a close,
My time here, nearly gone,
Can I look back with peace of mind
On what I’ve said and done?
The past is gone, the future dawns,
What difference have I made?
Or will my sojourn in this realm
In bitter memories, fade?
I pray as I reflect on life
And what I’ve left behind,
That what I’ve said and what I’ve done
More often have been kind.
And so this old year fades to gray;
A new year breaks the dawn,
What difference in the lives I touch
Will echo when I’m gone?
To be the best man I can be,
More gentle, kind and true,
Is all I hope in this new year,
And seek this, I will do.
