Classic Poem

Life owes me nothing. Let the years
Bring clouds or azure, joy or tears;
—Already a full cup I've quaffed;
—Already wept and loved and laughed,
And seen, in ever-endless ways,
New beauties overwhelm the days.

Life owes me nought. No pain that waits
Can steal the wealth from memory's gates;
—No aftermath of anguish slow
—Can quench the soul fire's early glow.
I breathe, exulting, each new breath,
Embracing Life, ignoring Death.

Life owes me nothing. One clear morn
Is boon enough for being born;
—And be it ninety years or ten,
—No need for me to question when.
While Life is mine, I'll find it good,
And greet each hour with gratitude.

Life owes me nothing. Let the years
Bring clouds or azure, joy or tears;
—Already a full cup I've quaffed;
—Already wept and loved and laughed,
And seen, in ever-endless ways,
New beauties overwhelm the days.

Life owes me nought. No pain that waits
Can steal the wealth from memory's gates;
—No aftermath of anguish slow
—Can quench the soul fire's early glow.
I breathe, exulting, each new breath,
Embracing Life, ignoring Death.

Life owes me nothing. One clear morn
Is boon enough for being born;
—And be it ninety years or ten,
—No need for me to question when.
While Life is mine, I'll find it good,
And greet each hour with gratitude.