A Garden of Ashes

It occured to me today that no one lives forever
You just don't know when your time will come
The good die young, but if you are loved
Then you will never leave the lives of some

Never hesitate to say the words "I love you"
Even if it won't be returned
The days only get shorter, but as your heart grows larger
You will revel in all you have learned

Teach what you know to the next generation
For they are the only ones who can change
And focus not on the tangibles as you know them
But grab hold of life by the reigns

Create your own destiny, follow your dreams
Nothing is too far out of reach
Take care of your body, exercise your mind
And practice everything that you preach

There is no need to argue, just take a step back
And look from another point of view
Take the time to understand
And everyday learn something new

Don't wait until tomorrow to do what you could today
It only puts you further behind
Acknowledge the respect you get from others
And be sure to respond in kind

Bend over backwards, give the shirt off your back
To someone whom you don't know their name
And believe in your heart that if fortunes reversed
You could reach out and be helped the same

Shake hands firmly, look each person in the eye
And answer all questions sincerely
Speak your mind, take your time
To convey your ambitions clearly

Don't get so busy making a living
That you forget to make a life
And quite possibly most important of all
Thank God everyday for your wife

So now as I stand in a garden of ashes
I think not of the things you have bought me
I just smile and think of the man I've become
Because of all the things you have tought me