Playing Life's Game

It's hard to play this human game - Some things are tough, some things are tame, And when our actions garner blame Our poor excuses sound quite lame. We like to show our better side (So, has the attic portrait lied?) But, grasping compliments in stride We measure things that are implied. We play the odds with bargains bought Through shortcuts for the things we've sought; Imagined slights returned in same But without wise Reflection's claim. We strain and strive to make ends meet And ponder change, but soon retreat Onto the ruts past footsteps beat On paths "if only" trips repeat. Then by-and-by the game grows old As wins and losses are retold, And years replace the days that creep Into the memories we keep.