My Gift To You All

Some of life’s lessons I have learnt,
During my seventy four years,
I pass on with love to all of you,
That you may stand out amongst your peers.

Whenever you may read this poem,
You’re the oldest you’ve ever been,
But you’ll never be this young again,
If you can follow what I mean.

That’s why every day is important,
And a jewel that must be treasured,
And all your morals and your principals,
Is the way that you’ll be measured.

Firstly, know that life just whizzes past,
It seems at the speed of light,
No sooner is there a brand new dawn,
Than there is the darkness of the night.

I look back to when I was in my youth,
In fact even before I was ten,
Oh if only I could have a second chance,
To live my life all over again.

But of course we know that can never be,
And it makes me a little sad,
To think I didn’t realize how quick my time would pass,
And what a privileged life I’ve had.

Try and make every day a special day,
After all it’s one that will never come back,
If you can be kind and honest along the way,
You’ll be definitely on the right track.

Never make a promise you cannot keep,
Let people know your word’s your bond,
Put the maximum effort in to what you do,
And think of tomorrow and beyond.

Always be punctual and never late,
And treat all people with respect,
Because everyone is your fellow man,
Regardless of colour, creed, or sect.

Try your very best to always say yes,
If you’re asked by friends to do a favour,
Of course it might take some of your precious time,
But sets you apart from those who waiver.
 
Be loyal and true, and stand up straight,
Hold your head high as you walk life’s road,
Be there for your friends to lean upon,
And never be shy to share their load.

If you feel you’ve been wronged by others,
  Have forgiveness in your heart,
Try and see things from their point of view,
It’s these traits that will set you apart.

If your accomplishments are rewarded,
Never be boastful of your wealth,
After all the richest man in all the world,
Is the one that has good health.

Be generous to those less fortunate,
It will surely lighten up their load,  
For we can’t be sure that we won’t stumble,
As we travel further along life’s road.

Always be polite and show respect,
After all it’s manners that make a man,
Be especially kind to elderly folk,
And always help them where you can.

In business always leave a little profit,
For the other man to make,
Because you won’t be able to eat it all,
And still be left with the whole cake.

If you have good staff, reward them,
For they are worth their weight in gold,
Without good staff you have no business,
You’ll see it makes good sense all told.

Never leave things till tomorrow,
If they can at all be done today,
Then if you’re lucky and tomorrow comes.
You’ll have gained another day.

Make good plans for the future,
Because nothing lasts forever,
It’s an expensive lesson I have learned,
But when we’re young we think we’re clever.

If some of my life’s experience,
Rubs off on to you all,
Then I’ll feel as this family’s patriarch,
You’ll have seen the writing on the wall.

Always be an open book,
Never give any cause for doubt,
But if things are not going quite to plan,
Just step back and take time out.

I haven’t said life is easy,
It takes a lot of thought and care,
But if you heed these words of wisdom,
You’ll make less mistakes that need repair.

There’s a wealth of life’s experience,
In these words that I have penned,
And know I’ll be here for every one of you,
On that you can all depend.
                                                                             
                                                             

Tags: rhyme, inspirational, encouraging,