Would you know the tally of your time,
The good and bad you've caused, the joy and pain?
Or would you not? I know I would not mine,
The number no self-knowledge dare assign,
The weighted roster of the saved and slain.
Would you know the tally of your time?
And would you see that number as a sign
Of your self-worth, a judgment that is plain?
Or would you not? I know I would not mine,
For numbers are like labels that confine
One's feeling for oneself to pride or shame.
Would you know the tally of your time,
The blunt assessment you cannot refine,
The sum that gives a thousand words one name?
Or would you not? I know I would not mine.
Thank God I can't! I might my heart resign,
Self-satisfied or full of self-disdain!
Would you know the tally of your time,
Or would you not? I know I would not mine.
Copyright by Nicholas Gordon. Free for personal or non-commercial use.
Audio and Video Music: Please. By Wayne Jones. Music free to use at YouTube.