All Things

Starting out as a precocious child,

He always maintained a calm exterior.

He never begrudged the competition

For winning and never felt inferior.

A lucky streak would occur for a while,

A spate of losses would follow. Alas!

He took both wins and losses in stride

And merely stated, "All things must pass."

 

He felt he was somewhat lucky in life--

Though luck always comes and goes, it seems.

He met someone and fell in love--

He claimed he'd found the "girl of his dreams."

Three kids later they parted ways--

By mutual consent--no fights; no sorrow.

"So it goes," he calmly said.

"Here today and gone tomorrow."

 

His acumen in business matters

Brought him solid financial security

While many competitors sadly foundered

And faded away into obscurity.

He kept his dignity and calm demeanor,

Even during a major fumble,

And said, "Life is constant change,"

When Wall Street took a disastrous tumble.

 

A second marriage later in life

For him was a type of resurrection

As he and his new love explored the world.

That gave his life a new direction.

When she succumbed to a major illness,

His feelings, over which he held sway,

Allowed him to grieve by quoting George Harrison

As he said, "All things must pass away."

 

"I've had a good life," he'd proudly aver,

"I have no regrets and no complaints.

I'm not the biggest cad in the world,

And you won't find me among the saints."

While on his death bed surrounded by family--

Knowing it was his final hour--

Unable to talk, he lovingly smiled

And pointed at a wilting flower.

 

(4-25-15)