Still One Life
By John Herlihy

I
We still raise ourselves up;
We still move on.
Time past is not forgotten;
Already finished, already begotten.
Future time is not forlorn;
Not yet arrived, not yet shorn.
Like a chameleon, I have taken on many colors,
Many different lives reflecting virtues and vices,
When left on my own, to my own devices.
Red for anger, blue for compassion,
Yellow for cowardliness, orange for fire,
White for purity, black for evil.
The emotions reflect a universal spectrum,
Even Newton’s indigo features in the confection.
Shaped into a life meant only for me,
The coat I wear willingly is my destiny.
There have been incredible losses and wins;
I am still able to bear them with tears and grins.
Still the life I call my own,
Still one life,
Still me.

II
I have been called everything,
From a devil to an angel.
With the seven deadly sins,
I have worked numerous angles.
Who can boast anything different?
I have been many persons,
In my attempt to be me;
But I have only one life to live,
And that life represents me.
Still trying to find myself,
Still trying to be me.
No one will ever know,
How difficult it is,
To nurture and grow.
Obstacles appear at every step;
Some actions just bring regret.
Many obstacles I needed to slay;
Many challenges overcome on the way.
Still the life I call my own,
Still one life,
Still me.