To have left the world, this time around, without making it a little better; what kind of life was that?

To have family and friends, this time around, remember me as cynical, sarcastic, and pessimistic;

what kind of memories are they?

I will be the better, next time around, for letting the natural world and all its beloved life

instruct me in the ways of stewardship.

I will be the better, next time around, for listening with my heart and soul, to the children

and let them guide me

in the ways of innocence and wonder.

And when I cross over, I’ll give a nod to Socrates

who, once upon a time, said

“The unexamined life is not worth living.”

And I will be the better for having examined mine.

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