Dare We Ask Ourselves Before We Die

About how we live our lives

 

 

                 Must we always to our own selves lie?

                 Or dare we ask ourselves before we die:

                 How have I lived? have I left much good behind?

                 Is there aught for God, or man, to find?

                 Have I sought the True, the Good,

                 As He besought us that we should?

                 Have I loved you, Neighbor, well and true,

                 And felt His mercy in forgiving you?

                 Have I used God's several talents well,

                 To make here more of heaven than hell?

                 In truth, can I look my Maker in the eye

                 And confess my life the day I die?

                        For if indeed I've lived in vain,

                        I die but clothed in fear and shame.