Turned Back Into Song

On my own terms, I lived my life Giving and taking, both day and night On my own terms, I lived my life Some then mistaken, some often right On my own terms, I lived my life Last right of refusal, the one holding tight On my own terms, I lived my life The lows though not many, the pain always right On my own terms, I lived my life Words ever radiant, the music so fair On my own terms, I lived my life The sweetness of children, my soul they ensnared On my own terms, I lived my life The darkest of moments, their message to share On my own terms, I lived my life A voice though unchosen, inside me declares On my own terms, I lived my life As the days grew short, and the visitors came On my own terms, I lived my life Their voices cry out, calling my name On my own terms, I lived my life One verse was enough, no time to explain On my own terms, I lived my life My final breath, a lasting refrain On my own terms, I lived my life The money fleeting, any fame now gone On my own terms, I lived my life A 5-star boardinghouse, no curtains drawn On my own terms, I lived my life With arms open wide, and the peace to move on On my own terms, I ended my life All that I’ve written —turned back into song (Villanova Pennsylvania: September, 2016)