Epitaph For A Man

What are the standards that it’s said must be met

For a life to be deemed worthy, well-lived and well-spent?

What are the marks to be put on the chart,

Where accomplishments are listed, where you played your part?

Must you be a great General in matters of war?

Make profound discoveries? Change the world evermore?

Or could your achievements in the wars of worldly toil

Be ‘marked’ by four years of War Service on foreign soil?

Must you do something profound that brings kudos and fame?

Or will fifty years of dedication and hard work bring you the same?

Must you leave behind great notoriety, huge stores of wealth?

Or simply a family, secure, well cared for, in health.

Need you be a doctor, a lawyer, a teacher, or such?

Or a simple man with a tireless desire that meant so much.

I knew a man, who had no greater goal in Eight decades of life,

Than to provide, care for, and make happy, two daughters and wife.

I knew a man, who only these basic, these simple things, did . . .

I called him “Papa” and no greater name has ever been said.

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