The Past Inspires

THE  PAST  INSPIRES

I look back to my ancestors--
each farmer and his work worn wife.

Oh, the love and tears and worries that
are the tapestry of my family's life.

They gave each other a helping hand,
to tame the forests and till the land.

Overcoming hardships and strife
In a new land they made a new life.

On my knees, I beseech and I pray
That my life too will inspire in some way.

I wish for my child to know in his soul
That all that came before is just part of the whole.

And that his life will also be a measure
Of what came before, and cause him to treasure

Each joy and sorrow and precious new being
That makes being a part of it a wondrous thing.