We expect life to build steadily,
experiences improving,
possessions increasing,
intimacy building as time goes by
until, in a grand crescendo,
we are fulfilled one day

On our death bed,
we say goodbye
to those we hold dearest
We weep as we hold hands,
but we know we have lead a good life
and we will be remembered

The fear of regret we once held
has long been dissipated
We wound up with the right partner
We went without so our kids
could attend the best schools
They will have an even better life than we

But how many lives truly end this way,
and how many in common tragedy?