Because I Was Here

The morning light cuts through the blind Another day to leave behind A footprint in the shifting sand The work of one unsteady hand I’ve walked the miles and paid the dues In worn-out soles and tired shoes But looking back at all the miles Did I cause tears or give out smiles? Is the world better because I was here? Did I bridge a gap or feed a fear? Did I plant a seed that’s bound to grow In a garden where I’ll never go? It’s a quiet question in the dark Did I leave a flame or just a spark? Is the world better because I was here? The things I built, the words I spoke The promises I kept or broke The strangers that I didn’t know Did I help them find the way to go? It isn’t found in gold or fame Or how the echoes sound my name It’s in the space I leave behind In the hearts of those I tried to find. Maybe it’s small, maybe it’s slight Like a single lamp in a heavy night The way I listened, the way I cared The heavy burdens that I shared I don't need the sun to stop and stare I just want to know that I was fair. Is the world better because I was here? Did I bridge a gap or feed a fear? Did I plant a seed that’s bound to grow In a garden where I’ll never go? It’s a quiet question in the dark Did I leave a flame or just a spark? Is the world better because I was here? Before the clock begins to fade I hope for the repairs I made A little more light, a little less rain A little less weight, a little less pain. Just a little better... Because I was here.