Staying Power

Consider I am just a man and of declining years, And one of hundreds you will know though life's a veil of tears! In love, you reap what you have sown, just one page in a book, Investments always post a gain, no matter how they look. Look! No return's still lesson gained, a clear notch on one's belt, And failures never matter much, though loss quite keenly felt! Real friendship tattooed on your soul! Real joy escapes the grave; A gift you share is always yours, though you may be a slave. So, leave your mark on all you touch, largess is never stain, What those you aid get from your help should never be your pain! Don't be a victim of intent; a gift deserves no rent, Or rush to judge the ones who fail if your aid gets misspent. Long Tooth May 15, 2018