the lesson of life

This is the way it is, the universe does not care
whether we live or die. All we can do is advance
step by step, day by day, taking whatever chance
comes our way, seeking all over the sphere
where life has placed us something that will adhere
when we have ended our turn at the dance.
Still, as we move towards the last great stance
after which comes nothing, towards that last year
when all that's done will be done, and no more
prizes sought or lost, we'll give ourselves the praise
for all the garlands won, for the heroic verse
we've read throughtout our passage. There is store
of such, and plenty of false hope for final days.
This is the nature of life and the great universe.