From cradle to grave
What will he become in life where will it lead
given but this one chance
shall he be a leader of men or devote himself
to family in his only dance
Where does the world around draw his steps
around this very earth or more
will he take the chances offered
any further than opening his own door
Who will stand at the gates when his life is done
who will judge him enough or how often
and then who will ease his burdens
if rest becomes too hard who’ll soften
There is no more need to judge each man’s
path beyond good or bad
for he himself will bring this final tally
of all that he has or had
But by gods own hand let him first live
beyond the innocent youth and all it’s worth
not to die before his time
as there is but this one life on earth
If life itself is just he may die healthy and aged
not curled in unearthly disease
and die knowing full well he truly lived
and that new things grew from him with ease
Other than his god what measure of a man from cradle to grave
and who has the final say
But one man unto himself
from the very first to the very last day
- Open Range - May 2, 2024
- Whispers among the balsams…. - May 8, 2023
- Do not stand at my grave ………. - April 19, 2023
Wonderful verse, Ed. Each of us must be our own judge and judge not others. I enjoyed reading this.
Thank you Phyllis , and thank you as always for the edit …..:-} What would we do without you ?
You are most welcome, Ed, and you are so kind. Your poem reminds me of a song I used to play so many years ago when my fingers were flexible enough to play the guitar or banjo. “Life is like a mountain ralway, with an engineer that’s brave. We must make the run successful, from the cradle to the grave.” It is an old song and I love it. Patsy Cline sang a nice version of it with Willie Nelson. Boxcar Willie also sang it well, my favorite version. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP73ha50V58
Great poetry, Ed, and the words oh so true. All a man can do is try to live life the best he can, hoping his deeds were good and leaving it all up to God to judge. To die from old age in your sleep and not in pain is the ultimate goal.
Thank you John , You guys are doing an awesome job as usual , I hope you know how much we all appreciate that !
Really enjoyed this. Your poetic words sure speak the truth.
Some great phrasing here Ed, and very well rendered to pose that question: re the judgement that is believed to come after mortal death. We can only do our best in life, and what comes after, we’ll find out soon enough. Great work my friend.
I really did like this for the feeling of peace in a prayer of surrender.