Not In Vain

How swiftly I grew...only now do I see it!
And my life unfolded like a film.
How long I have walked toward my happiness...
I seem to have crossed seven continents already!

How many people have come into my life, O God...
And departed, each taking a piece of me.
How many times have I stumbled into impossible love,
love I gave to others that was never returned.

How many thorns have lodged in this heart...
He did not suffer them, could not fathom why,
how after all this time they still ache equally...
Only the tears have grown with the years.

And he, my path, already seems to weary...
With each step I die a little more.
"Rest!"—you might say, you people.
But somehow I cannot, will not stop!

And if I go on, I will go on...Perhaps you'll meet me.
I will not be the girl with a child's face,
but I will smile at you, still luminous...
The pain lies hidden beneath the smile.

Do not be startled if you see my hair turned white.
Perhaps I'll be a little older,
still...just smile with sincerity...
so I might know my walking was not in vain.