I haven't built much of a fortune to leave to
those who shall carry my name, And nothing I've done
shall entitle me now to a place on the tablets of
fame.
But I've loved the great sky and its spaces
of blue; I've lived with the birds and the trees;
I've turned from the splendor of silver and gold
to share in such pleasures as these.
I've given
my time to the children who came; together we've
romped and we've played, And I wouldn't exchange
the glad hours spent with them for the money that
I might have made.
I chose to be known and be
loved by the few, and was deaf to the plaudits of
men; And I'd make the same choice should the chance
come to me to live my life over again.
I've
lived with my friends and I've shared in their joys,
known sorrow with all of its tears; I have harvested
much from my acres of life, though some say I've
squandered my years.
For much that is fine has
been mine to enjoy, and I think I have lived to my
best, And I have no regret, as I'm nearing the end,
for the gold that I might have possessed.