What is Left Behind

For whatever reason, I felt very mortal this morning

I realized that I have outlived my mother

And perhaps that was it.

Then again, more of my friends are leaving every day

And I am still here.

But it made me think about what I left behind.

While I may hope for my soul to live on,

What am I leaving here?

I have written things that will yellow and crack

And be forgotten or maybe prop a window open.

I have said things that may be remembered for a generation or two

Or maybe just for ten minutes

And there is nothing I can do about it.

But I have a son to whom

I have imparted what I can

Knowing full well that he will be a better man than I

That and any kindnesses

Are what is left behind.