If I could live my life again
Some changes I would make;
To all I'd strive to be a friend,
Advantage not to take.
The little things that often go
Unseen to other men,
I think I'd like to get to know...
If I could live again.
The kitchen smell of baking bread
And sausage in the pan;
The tools all placed in Grandad's shed
Where life for me began.
The cricket's song, the locust's shell,
The rippling waters clear;
These sound the news that all is well
With loved ones ever near.
To catch a fish and spend the day
With dad alone at rest;
To see my troubles run away
Are things I'd love the best.
I'd take the time to lend a hand
To little ones in need;
The crippled I would help to stand
The hungry I would feed.
I'd miss no chance to speak my mind
To those I truly love
My words would be so sweet and kind
As sent from God above.
I'd point them to important things
Those things that count the most;
To hear the songbird as he sings
To see the sandy coast.
I'd tell them that there's more to life
Than mammon's filthy lure
To bear their cross, endure the strife
Rest waits---you can be sure.
But I cannot live life again
And so I must while here;
Take time to be to all a friend
And treat all life as dear.
APRIL, 1997
..........H. L. Gradowith..........