Epilogue
Approaching the depths of darkness,
I find a peace within –
A peace unknown but in this final hour.
Peace – once – unattainable.
It’s in this final hour I know
the life before me is unworthy of noting.
No success –
No ground-breaking achievements.
With this insight comes that peace
because, in spite of the absence of
accomplishment, I’ve done no harm –
I’ve simply been good to others.
To be good in spite of my flawed nature –
This is my success.
To live with a kind heart amid the hatred of my species –
That is my legacy.
To love those who’ve wronged me –
This is my contribution.
To acknowledge intrinsic value, even in the wicked –
That is my imprint upon humanity.
Knowing what I know,
feeling as I’ve felt,
and seeing my life in reflection,
I have but one regret –
Regret that I never knew
before this very moment
what really constitutes
success.
And even this regret fades as I realize –
I’ve received what most only dream of –
I’ve accepted myself as I am –
I’ve defined my success – and my failure
It’s in this I find my peace –
Not because I’ve, indeed, done nothing worthy of note,
and not because I’m unsuccessful in others’ eyes,
But because I have “failed,”
and failed – well.
