His memory a benediction

From the tombstone of Dudley Snyder . . . who was buried on this date in the year 1921 . . . 

His life was an inspiration,

His memory a benediction.

The above is an adaptation of the last lines in the following composition . . . 

He has achieved success

who has lived well,

laughed often,

and loved much;

who has enjoyed the trust

of pure women,

who has gained the respect
of intelligent men

and the love of little children;

who has filled his niche

and accomplished his task,

who has left the world

better than he found it,

whether by an improved poppy,

a perfect poem,

or a rescued soul;

who has never lacked

appreciation of Earth's beauty

or failed to express it;

who has always looked

for the best in others

and given them the best he had;

whose life was an inspiration;

whose memory a benediction.

Bessie Anderson Stanley

1879–1952

Quoting W. Somerset Maugham

Quoting W. Somerset Maugham from Razor's Edge [which I am watching at this moment] . . . 

This is the young man of whom I write. He is not famous. It may be that when his life at last comes to an end, he will leave no more trace of his sojourn on this earth than a stone, thrown into a river, leaves on the surface of the water. Yet it may be that the way of life he has chosen for himself may have an ever-growing influence over his fellow man so that, long after his death perhaps, it will be realized that there lived in this age a very remarkable creature. 

Wings of Time

Remember me in the Family Tree -

my name, my days, my strife.

Then I'll ride upon the wings of time

and live an endless life.

Linda Goetsch