Headed to the Art Gallery

This photograph, with one of my poems imprinted upon it, was selected for an upcoming art show at a local gallery. The works are creations of people who have utilized an art medium as a coping mechanism for their health challenges. I hope to have one of our daughters to stop by the gallery and "photograph my photograph" on exhibit.

The poem reads:


if

if i lay down and wallow in self-pity
then i have already died

if I dread days with breath remaining in my lungs
then I have already died

if i exist discouraged and down-hearted
then i have already died

if i dwell on death before my heart quits beating
then i have already died

if i focus on the what ifs and could have beens
then i have already died

if I live reflecting on the past and amid regrets,
then I have already died


if i finish my days with a heart filled with gratitude
then I am truly living

if i dread the disease yet treasure my time
then I am truly living

if i exist to bring praise and glory to Him,
then I am truly living

if i dwell on eternal life versus temporary death
then I am truly living

if I focus on family, friends and faith
then I am truly living

if I reflect on His blessings and not my challenges
then I am truly living

if my time arrives and death intercedes
then I truly will be living!