Branches Adrift

A word to those upon the branches of my family’s tree:

I’d like to ask you who you wanted to be,

And if you were able to see. . .

That life is a gift.

What ambitions did you dream to accomplish?

What empire held your wish?

And did you succeed at finding bliss?

Or learn that life is more--not a burden to lift.

Is your tale recorded throughout the ages?

Were you bold or courageous?

Or did you labor all day for your wages?

Maybe you invested in life itself--not letting it mindlessly sift.

Perhaps you did not change the earth,

But were dipped into consequences at birth;

And sold as a slave with a strange mirth.

Then did you know the price of the priceless gift?

Could you have died alone?

And is all that is left whitewashed bone?

Or were there countless treasures that you did own?

But I guess all that matters is if you led your life with abandon--not adrift.

~Tlation