The teacher gave a frightened look
as she stared at my coloring book.
But I knew I did the best I could.

I tried to pass my spelling test
but I was slower than the rest.
Yet I knew I did the best I could.

In gym I could not climb the rope.
The coach said that there was no hope.
Still I knew I did the best I could.

I got my high school degree.
It took ten tutors helping me.
But I knew I did the best I could.

Some self-doubt will always linger,
I was fired from the deli after slicing off a finger.
Still I know I did the best I could.

My marriage ended late last year.
My wife would barf when I came near.
Yet I know I did the best I could.

I tried to clean off all the soot
but gangrene cost me my left foot.
I maintain I did the best I could.

Now I lie sick in my bed
with life’s past visions in my head.
I’m grateful that I did the best I could.

And I see the bright white light,
but still there is no terror or fright,
because I know I did the best I could.

And now I see a lovely face,
and am awed by its strength and grace,
and say, “I always did the best I could.”

And I feel my last breaths come.
The face says, “You really aren’t that dumb.
You should have tried harder. Bye.”