The old man reflected back on his life,
Best as he could recall.
A number of scenes he remembered well.
Of some there was no recall.
My debut to the world was made, he said
On a tepid summer morn.
Not one red cent to my name had I,
Nor clothes then had I worn.
I was nurtured through the childhood ills,
Weathered storms of teen-age years,
Experienced life's many vicissitudes
With a mixing of laughter and tears.
My failures were average in number,
My scattered successes were few.
I gained a lot throughout my life,
Experienced some losses, too.
From first to second childhood days
Transition was smoothly made
But many things I began to forget,
Once had my memory strayed.
One thing I will know when I depart
I'll not leave Earth as I came
My soul is rich, though I leave without
A red cent to my name.
Shelby Forrest