Ted Winkler

I grew up a hard-working man
With my beautiful Marge and four daughters.
"Work like hell and be happy,"
I always said.
No truer words were ever spoken.
I saved every penny I earned
And was always content.
I lived this way for ninety-five years,
Watching the world change,
Never idle,
Until I developed an infection in my leg.
I stubbornly refused medical care.
I didn't need any doctors.
The infection worsened,
So I finally went to get help.
It was too late.
I died a week later
Without a single regret.

Jessica Liptak