Over my life of 75 years now, I have been called a fool, an embarassment to my family, a dirty communist, a loose cannon, abrasive, arrogant, and just about every vulgar foul word in existence.
Many people have voiced their displeasure of me for not agreeing with them, for not going along to get along, for speaking out against that which I believe is wrong, for speaking up for that which I believe is right, and for being the person I am rather than the person they want me to be.
Well, as I approach the end of days, i.e. my end of days, there is a song that pops into my head from time to time that I think I would choose to be my epitaph, albeit a long epitaph.
The song "My Way" has been performed by many artists. Each of them can honestly say, "I did it my way."
My Way
And now, the end is near;
And so I face the final curtain.
My friend, I’ll say it clear,
I’ll state my case, of which I’m certain.
I’ve lived a life that’s full.
I’ve traveled each and ev’ry highway;
And more, much more than this,
I did it my way.
Regrets, I’ve had a few;
But then again, too few to mention.
I did what I had to do
And saw it through without exemption.
I planned each charted course;
Each careful step along the byway,
But more, much more than this,
I did it my way.
Yes, there were times, I’m sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew.
But through it all, when there was doubt,
I ate it up and spit it out.
I faced it all and I stood tall;
And did it my way.
I’ve loved, I’ve laughed and cried.
I’ve had my fill; my share of losing.
And now, as tears subside,
I find it all so amusing.
To think I did all that;
And may I say – not in a shy way,
No, oh no not me,
I did it my way.
For what is a man, what has he got?
If not himself, then he has naught.
To say the things he truly feels;
And not the words of one who kneels.
The record shows I took the blows –
And did it my way!
