My Life Song
I was asked by someone to think about what I would say if I had the chance to speak at my own funeral. Naturally, a poem ensued…
I ask of you, don’t cry for me,
for I have lived my years.
Save the salt and save the water
for those who need your tears.
Instead, celebrate my journey;
lose your sorrow and concern.
We only get one ride in life
and I simply took my turn.
Of myself, I have been proud;
of myself, I’ve been ashamed,
but through it all, no matter what
I’m the only one I’ve blamed.
Life’s answers weren’t always clear
until I looked through aging eyes
at the should’ve beens…the could’ve beens,
the what if’s…and the why’s.
I’ve had my joys; I’ve had my sorrows.
No need for totals or for tallies
of the ups and downs in my life –
I’ve had more peaks than valleys.
I’ve had good friends and I’ve had bad
and I’ve been both…it’s true,
for I have lived and loved enough
to have lied…and been lied to.
I have fretted; I have stressed
and I have filled my mind with doubt
about the troubles and the problems
that alone, work themselves out.
There are times I would have risen high
if not for my fear of the fall,
but I’ve learned that feeling pain is better
than feeling nothing there at all.
Sometimes I spent without regard
to the money I was making,
but I always strived in life and love
to give more than I was taking.
I learned late to cherish moments
spent with the many paths I’d crossed
from shedding large, regretful tears
over opportunities I’d lost.
I fell in like and I fell in love.
I gambled and I married.
I was blessed with the health and strength it took
to raise the children I had carried.
Many times I’ve erred and blundered.
I’ve made more than my share of mistakes.
I’ve worried enough to pay in full
the toll that worry takes.
I’ve always tried to well avoid
confrontation, flack and friction,
but I don’t remember hesitating once
to stand up for my convictions.
I’ve been liked and I’ve been loathed.
I’ve been pushed and I’ve been shoved,
but I say with honesty and gratitude
that I’ve been truly loved.
At times I’ve laughed; at times I’ve cried.
At times I’ve hoped and prayed.
At times I’ve regretted the times I worked
those times I should’ve played.
Sure, there are things I didn’t do
and no doubt, things I didn’t say,
but if I had one more ticket to ride,
I would ride again today!!
Linda Ellis
copyright 2010
www.lindaellis.net
Hi Linda,
you are great motivator. you poems touch my hear deeply and am indebted to you for inspiration i gained from reading your all poems!My GOD BLESS YOU
thys is such a touchin poem my bf jus past away yesterday mornin at 3:30 am he was like a brother 2 me n he will be loved uncoditionaly 4 ever, bt thank u so much 4 thys wounderful poem who probably touched many other pple. sincerely amanda
Thank you Linda. Like another of your admirers, I am a recovering alcoholic. I take great strength from your inspired words and they help me keep my disease at bay. Keep on writing your beautiful words – they are so appreciated. God gave you a wonderful gift. Many thanks for sharing it with us.
Dear Linda ,OHHH how i love your poems sooo true to life
I recommend THE DASH to everyone & just love
MY LIFE song just beautiful & so so true ..I was first made aware of your poetry at My mother inlaws funeral Where The Dash was read out…Thankyou Raels Australia..
I REALLY ENJOY THIS POEM!!!!!! (ALONG WITH “THE DASH”!!) THEY R BEAUTIFUL POEMS!!! THEY R BOTH SOOOOOOOO TRUE & EACH TIME I READ THEM I FEEL LIKE I’M READING ABOUT MYSELF!!!! (and how other ppl should really be) They r both REALLY touching & I TRULY appreaciate them!!
I think u are an AMAZING author!!! Thanx!!!!!
I attended the funeral of a friend this past week, your poem “The Dash” was read. How beautiful and true the poem, if we all would think more about our “dash”. Thank you.
Dear Linda
I am a trainer and motivational consultant and give talks to young and old. Ever since I came across your poem THE DASH , I have been using it in my talks. I find it most inspiring and likewise I get a good feedback from participants. I too have read some of your works and am glad to have had the chance to know you through your poem and works. This particular poem does certainly put you in a pensive and nostalgic mood as you begin to reflect on your life and how little time is left for each one of us to re-adjust our present life. You certainly have made me think deep and have made me change too! Thank you for such inspirational words and thoughts.
Hi Linda. I have lived & worked in the public eye most of my life.I like the song goes have had my fair share of ” tears of a clown ” moments. I have been in recovery from alcohol for some years now and ,You have been part of my programme from the very start. I show gratitude to your work every day and you have helped me through some very difficult times. I often share ,my dash with others in addiction and have saw some amazing results. I read somewhere that ,a thought gives life to words and in return words provoke an action. Well when ever i think of your work ,I read your words & i always take positive action. So thank you for being part of my life. You are one of my higher powers and I will always be grateful for your work and inspiration.
Linda,
The more of your works I read, the more I love and respect you as a writer. Please keep writing more and thank you.
Linda,
This is a wonderful work of art. You never cease to amaze me with your most beautiful use of the English language.
I so look forward to each and everyone of your publications.
Thank you for giving so much to so very many!
Susan Myers
I love this poem, it says so much of what we all feel, and would like to say. Thank you. You are so gifted!
Awesome, as usual!
THIS IS JUST BEAUTIFUL..I JUST BOUGHT THE DASH AND I LOVE IT. WILL WE BE ABLE TO BUY THIS POEM?.
HAVE A GREAT DAY..
I could hear my mother saying these exact words. She died this past July and man this would have been something I would have wanted to have read at her graveside. It fits her to a TEE! Thank you.
Linda, please never stop writing. You have so much to give. Your words capture my emotions and help me express them.
Linda you have done it again. Hit another one out of the ballpark! These thoughts and musings are the very thing I hope I would think about at my own funeral to say to those loved ones there to celebrate my life. Also for a send-off to my eternal home with our Lord. God Bless.
I enjoy reading your poems they make you stop and remember what is truly important, we get so busy in this world that we need people like you to remind us what life is all about. Keep writing those Poems for we all need to read them (JUst a reminder)
Dear Linda
I Have enjoyed reading your poems for a while now. I can honestly say that this is amongst the best. You have been truly Blessed to be able to write such beauty with such meaning. Thank you for bringing joy to my heart and my families. We send you Love and Light xxx
I had to write to tell you that I thought this poem was one of the most beautiful you have ever written.I cried as I read it because it was filled with such truth and such Heart,and yes,Wisdom.So much of what you have written applies to all of us in life,thank you for this wonderful poem..
Oh, Linda,
I am truly inspired by your verse. I am 79, and while I try to live for today, I can’t help but think the past. Mistakes I made, joys I have experienced. This poem says it all for me.
thank you