For what it’s worth

to laugh often and much,

to win the respect of intelligent

people and the affection of children,

to earn the appreciation of honest

critics and endure the betrayal

of false friends,

to appreciate beauty,

to find the best in others,

to leave the world a bit better,

whether by a healthy child,

a garden patch…

to know even one life has breathed

 easier because you have lived.

this is to have succeeded!

-Emerson