I want to leave my footprints
Upon the sands of time
But how will those who come after
Know which set of prints are mine
I hope they’re the ones who stand steady
On issues that are right and just
Who yet take the time to dance gaily
Barefoot in prairie dust
The ones who speed bravely forward
To drink from life’s flowing cup
But pause in their forward motion
To help a fellow up
The ones who slow to walk with the aged
And toddle to walk with youth
Who walk toward new horizons
With honesty and truth
If someone who comes after
Should choose to follow my way
May they walk with pride in the footprints
That I have left today.
******************
It's Weekly Scribblings #37 and we're asked to consider last messages or death poems,
termed Jisei in East Asia.
Submitted to Poets & Storytellers United
September 16, 2020
These are fine aspirations, Beverly. May they be not final, but lasting words, to all who love you.
ReplyDeleteKnowing that we've left some inspiration for others to walk a path filled with kindness and purpose is a wonderful thing.
ReplyDeleteTalk about a tear-jerker ... my favorite line ... “who yet take the time to dance gaily barefoot in prairie dust” ~~~ I have done that and I imagine you might have too.
ReplyDeleteAnd, no I have not succumbed to the New Blogger’s charms,
DeleteOh, lovely! I love that it actually says so much about your living!
ReplyDeleteO Beverly, this is just what I needed to read tonight. It is so discreet yet covers so much. Just what we all want to have said but did not.
ReplyDelete..
This is sweet. It moves along as a song with hope and promise.
ReplyDeleteI love the second stanza so much. I particularly enjoyed the balance conjured by the first two lines and the last two, together. I love that the wish for steadiness doesn't take away from the wish of creative living.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful words, Bev!
ReplyDeleteI love, "May they walk with pride in the footprints"
That I have left today.