I have. . .
lived well, laughed often,
and loved much and I hope
that I leave this world
better than I found it
whether by a perfect poem
or by a rescued soul.

I have. . .
never lacked appreciation
of Earth's beauty or failed
to express it and I have always
looked for the best in others
and given the best I had.

I have. . .
enjoyed the trust of pure women,
the respect of intelligent men
and the love of children
that I have had the
honor to teach.

I have. . .
become aware of the treasures
of love and life and I hope
others have learned from me
and love me before I depart
my quest for a rare
and perfect tomorrow.

I have. . .
learned the hard way
that there is no such thing
as a perfect ending
and that some poems don't rhyme
and that some stories don't have
a clear beginning, middle,
and end.

I have. . .
learned that life is
about not knowing, having to change,
taking the moment and making
the best of it without knowing
what is going to happen
next.                                           Jon York    2013