My Life

I have a life I can't escape,

A life that's mine to mold and shape

Some things I lack of strength and skill

I blunder much and fumble; still

I can in my own way design

What is to be this life of mine.

It is not mine to say how much

Of gold and silver I shall clutch

What heights of glory I shall climb

What splendid deeds achieve in time;

Lacking the genius of the great

The lesser tasks may be my fate. 

But I can say what I shall be

What in my life the world shall see;

Can mould my thoughs and actions here

To what is fine or what is drear

Though small my skill, I can elect 

To keep or lose my self-respect.

No man can kindlier be than I

No man can more detest a lie

I can be just as clean and true

As any gifted genius, who

Rises to earthly heights of fame

And wins at last the world's acclaim.

I can be friendly, blithe of heart

Can build or tear my life apart,

Can happy-natured smile along

And shrug my shoulders at a wrong.

I only choose what is to be

This life which symbolizes me. 

Edgar Albert Guest 

Two days ago, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, peacefully slipped into everlasting sleep. I just wanted to pay my respects to her and a life well lived. She was the epitome of grace and class and behaved in a way that, in my opinion, all world leaders should emulate.  

And here is her son, King Charles III's touching tribute about her and his promise to his nation. 

God save the King!