[skyguy79]

I've never been much for poetry, but I would have to say that my favorite poet was my late uncle. All through my life he was an inspiration to me.

He was career Army serving 23 years and retired as a Sergeant Major. He was always a distance away from me and I rarely got to see him. However, he never forgot me and always showed it. As a child he would send me something regularly or bring it on the rare visits. It could be his old uniform stripes following the numerous times he was promoted or the occasional magic trick or metal puzzle. When I became an adult he would occasionally write me a poem and send it to me.

Just 18 months before his death he wrote a poem that was included in his Mass of Christian Burial Testimonial. I'd like to share that poem with you:

My Legacy

Some days were good... some days were sad;
But Lord, I gave it all I had.
With spirit abounding, to carry my "cross,"
Some battles were won... some battles were lost.

I reflect on my past, on most every chore...
Then contemplate: "Could I have done more?"
But, to look back would be a formidable task...
What lies in the future, is difficult to ask.

My time and talents were "gifts" to invest...
To do my best and let God do the rest.
Giving of my "treasurers" will truly beam...
Like helping others achieve a goal or a dream.

How humble to realize, at each new dawn:
All my yesterdays are forever gone.
Thus, it's today I must act and not remain mum,
For my "tomorrow" may never come.

My "highway to heaven' and happiness,
Lies in saint-like deeds... with a very small "s"...
To give life's journey my best each day,
In doing great things in a very small way.

Life's journey remains arduous, but I readily admit...
To rest when I must... but never to quit.
By selfless actions, I can foresee:
My Legacy of Love to God and my country!

Ezio M. Tozzi - November 2011