As a child, I learned prayers by heart. This is the one I choose to carry now.

The Prayer to Know by Heart

Remember the village where I began.
Remember the work that made this man.

Factory nights taught grit and grace.
I earned my path and found my place.

From C to A, I found my way.
Then taught eight hundred, day by day.

Through seven homes, eighty-two lands,
I learned how wide the world expands.

I changed my path and learned to code.
I built real systems, bore the load.

When work fell through, I chose my fight.
Ran fifty K, rebuilt my light.

With Joy and cats, I built my home.
Through love, I never stand alone.

I did hard things with help and grace.
Let thanks and pride share equal space.

Sleep eight full hours; greet the dawn.
Run, ride, row; carry on.

Eat simple food that keeps me strong.
Drink water freely all day long.

No drink or paint shall cloud my sight.
I guard tomorrow every night.

Speak without gossip; keep words kind.
Tell tested truth; keep an open mind.

Name real problems; engineer the way.
Build honest answers every day.

Own every error; make things right.
Keep every promise, dark or light.

Give family more than scraps of time.
Call friends while all our stars still shine.

Show up for sorrow, meals, and cheer.
Practice love while they are here.

Do not compare another’s climb.
Give credit freely every time.

Guard health and time; protect attention.
Let calendars prove my intention.

Leave room for laughter, trails, and play.
Not every hour must earn its stay.

Stay curious, grateful, brave, and true.
Begin again; I know what to do.