My Best

My Best

I did my best. That’s a lie. I’ve only

been fooling myself in order to get by.

I got no awards, never became rich

or famous for all the lawns I mowed

in life, never received applause or

adulation for all those shopping trips

I’ve made. On a scale of one to ten

if I’m to be honest, I’d give myself

a three. That, I tell myself, leaves me

room for improvement. The carburetor

I rebuilt and spark plugs I’ve replaced

may have gotten me so far, but that

old car was relegated to the scrap heap

years ago. There have been thousands,

no millions of hugs and kisses over a

lifetime of years in saying goodbye. I’m

still here which goes to show you (and

me too) that each time it was but a half

hearted try. Next time I’ll do better. No,

I won’t. I’m fooling myself. That’s a

bald-faced lie. Oh well, at least I tried.

Believe me, my history shows, I know

that of which I speak. For now, take it

or leave it—that’s the best I can do.

Chris Hanch 6-12-18