I Can

I stand on a mountain and look to the west.

Can I see forever?

If the skies are free and the skies are clear, 30 miles I can see at best.

But, if I close my eyes, open my mind and believe in myself,

Then yes, I can see forever.

I stand face to face and look deep in your eyes.

Can I be happy?

If the love is for one and not for the other, then no, no matter how hard I try.

But, if our love is strong for one another and together we believe in ourselves,

Then yes, I can be happy.

I gaze out the window and watch people pass by.

Can I be a success?

If my resume is thin and I judge by my past, then no, if I don’t try.

But, if I close my eyes, open my mind and believe in myself,

Then yes, I can be a success.

I look in the mirror and see my reflection.

Can I be me?

If my image of me must be blemish free, then no, there can’t be perfection.

But, if I look deep in my eyes, open my heart and my mind and accept me for whom I am,

Then yes, I can be me.

I look back on my life and see what I’ve done.

Can I be pleased?

If I base my successes on mistakes and mere guesses, then no, if not pleased where I’ve gone.

But, if my children know love and our cups runneth over and they’re prepared for after I’m gone,

Then yes, I can be pleased.

Death’s sleep has come and I stand at the Gates.

Can I come in?

If I only cared for what I could get on my plate, then no, it was all about me.

But, if I opened my heart, loved my neighbor and tried to do what was right,

Then yes, you can come in.