Legacy

Legacy
by Lyn Marinello

You can't discern your value
By the years within your life
By your accolades and trophies
By the absence of any strife

Did you try to help your neighbor?
Do you best to just inspire?
Did you give when you were able?
Were you someone you'd admire?

Were you kind to every stranger?
Amongst abused, did you defend?
Did you seek out silver linings?
Would you want to be your friend?

Did you look to right the wrongs?
Make improprieties well known?
Would you want to reap the harvest
of the seeds that you have sown?

Was your door an open passageway?
Your arms welcome to receive?
Did you lift your fellow beings
with the faith that you believe?

Were you always at the ready
to resurrect what may be crushed?
Did your keep your word as promised?
Were you someone that you'd trust?

Did you listen without judgement?
Find ways to constantly connect?
Commit to random acts of kindness?
Were you someone you'd respect?

You're not measured by your wealth
Nor the length of your careers
Rather, legacies are built
By the life within your years.