Whatev’r Did I Get In Return?

I climbed the roof, replacing broken tiles And many times I’d slipped; I went to stores by walking many miles, But I couldn’t be tight-lipped. I dug the water channels for the trees, And swept the ground so clean; I prayed to God to maintain our home’s peace, So cruel life had been! I climbed the trees and plucked mangos, drum-sticks; And put the fences up; I paved the floors and built the walls with bricks Life gave a bitter cup! I washed the clothes, pots, pans and cleaned cob-webs, And performed house-hold chores; But never could prevent the way life ebbs, I painted windows, doors. So many things I’d done in my childhood Whatev’r did I get in return? And now I slog for my family’s good, I continue to learn. But this is how we spend our wretched life, On earth since we’ve been born; Alone we must be in joy, grief and strife, Our earthly life’s forlorn. And yet, our childhood life was good, Despite all heavy odds; And cooking was by fire-wood, We got both love and rods. And yet I loved the yesterday, God showed me my own way; And how I hate each new birthday, Live, we must, come what may. Copyright by Dr John Celes 22-1-2007