So many times I've looked at my life 

And pondered the trouble the pain and the strife

I've given no thought to the good times I've had

I just sit and I dwell on all of the bad



Days come and go and never return

They dwindle away like a candle that burns

It burns and it fades and leaves only a track

No matter how hard you try you can't get it back



You get chances in life to do as you will

Decisions to make on how your days you will fill

Make your own choices and lead your own way

But for all of those choices one day you will pay



Whether they be good or choices of fools

You are the carpenter and your choices are tools

The life that you build depends on how hard you try

And when the days get you down just let them go by



James Dale Merwin



June 18, 1997