Of life’s true meaning, what can hope devise

To lead us through the span from birth to death;

What does the struggle of long years comprise—

Does providence so drive each sacred breath?

Some in this passage solely lust for fame

While yet for others, wealth’s the measured best.

The wicked choose decay and ruin to claim;

The good, to God’s benevolence lay quest.

The common man lives simply, day to day

Content to dream of better things to come;

Walking in peace along the humbler way,

Waiting for God to call his spirit home;

Yet all that truly counts, in final score—

Lies in the blood ahead, and that afore.