For my Son, With Love -- Al Klesh

For my Son, With Love
In tribute to Ryan:

The Measure of a Man

Not - "How did he die? " but "How did he live?"
Not - "What did he gain? " but "What did he give?"
These are the units to measure the worth
Of a man as a man, regardless of birth.

Not - "What was his station? " but "Had he a heart?"
And - "How did he play his God-given part?"
Was he ever ready with a word of good cheer?
To bring back a smile, to banish a tear?

Not - "What was his church? " not "What was his creed?"
But - "Had he befriended those really in need?"
Not - "What did the sketch in the newspaper say?"
But - "How many were sorry when he passed away?"