Poetry by Charlie Gould

UNITS

How do we measure a life?

Do we measure a life in length of time?
Or in each tiny moment of its being?
Which is the more precious? Another labored hour,
Or the bright smiles we were used to seeing?

The moments of a life give birth,
To the gift of memory; to the joys,
And all the sorrows, and the mirth,
Which mark the days of girls and boys.

How to measure our living?
Do we measure by the clock?
Do we take a poll, record the totals,
Of every tick and tock?

Or do we take the measure,
Of a life by the smiles and deeds;
The simple acts of kindness,
That each so dearly needs?

I think we have it wrong sometimes
Because I've heard it said,
When God takes the final measure of a person
He puts the tape around their heart, and not their head!

How do you measure a life?
Your life?

--Charlie Gould*

*"Works and plays well with others, and does not eat his young."