It’s time to go inside myself
I’ve had my share of happiness
The greatest lessons life can teach —
To learn to live with loneliness
To look ahead and not grow weak
To feed on inner resources
A seed must die to germinate
A life must lose before it gains
Oblivion will give new strength
When passion’s gone the good remains
I’ve watched a child become a man
From womb to break I gave my all
A drink from Lethe I don’t need
Both pain and pleasure I’d recall
I’ve thrown my share of pearls to swine
I’ve loved a woman long and well
The silly prattle of a fool
I’ve known the joy of heav’n and hell
I’ve seen the timber wolf lope by
And watched the eagle wheel and soar
I’ve listened to the whip-poor-will
And heard the ocean swell and roar
I’ll have my share of happiness
As long as I can climb a hill
But when it comes my time to die
I’ll leave this life at my own will
—Bill Matheny