Looking Back

I might have been rich if I'd wanted the gold instead of the friendships I've made.

I might have had fame if I'd sought for renown in the hours when I purposely played.

Now I'm standing to-day on the far edge of life, and I'm just looking backward to see

What I've done with the years and the days that were mine, and all that has happened to me.

I've given my time to the children who came; together we've romped and we've played,

And I would n'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.