HERE’S THE DEAL

    You have your life, however long or short,
    And many ways to choose as you go on;
    But at the end, assume you’ll face a court
    Who’ll ask you sternly to reflect upon

    All you have done and who you have become
    And how you’ve used your opportunities
    To serve the world and shun opprobrium:
    Will you stand tall, or fall upon your knees?

    Well, as for me, I hope my loved ones will
    Report I’ve cherished and cared for them all,
    And that professionally I did fulfill
    My charge to serve my students, great and small.

         But last, I hope some verses may survive,
         The best my wit has labored to contrive.

 *