24 September 2008

If I Knew

If I knew that today was my last day on earth,
Would I do what I’m doing right now?
Would I say what I’m saying, though I know it might hurt,
If it was the last thing you'd hear from my mouth?

Would I spend so much time on such trivial things,
If I thought that was all I would do?
Would the things I’ve not done still be put off, you think,
If I knew I’d be leaving so soon?

Would the things that annoy me and get on my nerves
Maybe not seem like such a big deal?
Would I feel so offended at that one thoughtless word,
If I knew it was the last thing I’d feel?

Could I let some things go, and give others more care?
Would my speed to forgive be the same?
If I knew time was short, could I choose to forbear,
And quietly shoulder the blame?

Might my thoughts have more depth, and my words greater weight,
Would my deeds have more purpose and drive?
Would I hesitate so before doing what’s right?
Would I be so reluctant to try?

Yesterday’s gone, and it will not return;
Tomorrow may not come at all.
If you knew that today was your last day on earth,
Would you be ready to answer the call?

2 comments:

Luke said...

Of course, neither I nor my life are perfect, but yes. Have you ever read the poem by John Greenleaf Whittier called Abraham Davenport? I have always thought it very applicable to this kind of subject.

Qtierney said...

I'd never read it before, but I looked it up just now and did so. Good stuff.

And there he stands in memory to this day,
Erect, self-poised, a rugged face, half seen
Against the background of unnatural dark,
A witness to the ages as they pass,
That simple duty hath no place for fear.