Gifted

I’ve tried, but rarely been my best

When reaching for the top has been my quest.

Dreams and schemes often go astray

And hopes for success will fast melt away.

I’ve loved some women, forsaking the rest.

A life of promise spent failing the test.

Life’s a poor teacher, it has been said.

From the test the lesson is learned with dread.

Slowly I learned the standard to use,

Shifted my focus and changed my views.

Those who we help are our measure of worth,

Not the gold and success achieved here on Earth.

Success is not measured by things that we’ve done,

Nor mountains climbed or battles won.

Only by people helped and spirits lifted.

If this is true, then I’ve been truly gifted.