"THE GOLDEN RULE"

You are me, to a certain degree.
I must learn to love you unconditionally.
Because I know if I were you,
I'd expect the same things you expect me to do.

Let me walk a mile wearing your shoes
And show me just how much you have to lose.
You could lose your mind, you could go insane.
I must learn to let go and feel your pain.

Maybe you just want a cup of tea
Or are hoping to find some sympathy.
You could be overwhelmed with fear.
I must learn to have a listening ear.

I can't ignore you when you cry
And say it will be better the day that you die.
I have to open my eyes and see
That I must treat you as if you were me.

When I act as if you're the one to blame,
I should look at myself, and experience shame.
For things could be different before life is through,
And you could be me, and I could be you.

Most important of all, every day that I live
I must soften my heart and learn to forgive.
For whoever in heaven's keeping score in this game
Will only subtract when I do the same.

My door must be open, I must be aware.
If there's something you need, I must learn to share.
The worse thing I could do is to chase you away.
The same thing could happen to me someday.

When this life is through, and I come to my end,
I hope you'll tell God I was truly your friend.
The only way I'll be welcome in heaven above,
Is if you are there to testify to my love.

John Agostin