To have lived well,

laughed often and loved much;

to have gained the respect

of intelligent men

and the love of children;

to have filled a niche and accomplished a task;

to have left the world better -

whether by an improved poppy,

a perfect poem or a rescued soul;

to have appreciated earth’s beauty and not failed to express it;

to have looked for the best in others,

and to have given the best of yourself.

That is achievement.