My Way Poem by gershon hepner

I did it my way, in the song sings Paul Anka,
and this is the goal for which I also hanker,
but just like that song which is far better known
when it’s sung by Sinatra, I feel I don’t own
the way that I did it, I’ve shared it with you,
and traveled each highway with you in my view.

I’ve loved and I’ve laughed, and it’s always together
with you, dearest lover in foul and fair weather,
and I suffer all blows for the sake of your kisses,
my ex-wife, ex-mistress, expatriate missus,
and do it not my way, but our way, and anchor
each other together, and spit out Paul Anker.


(Inspired by the song that has earned more money for Paul Anker than any other, “My Way, ” as well as becoming Rank Sinatra’s signature tune. Anka is alive and well and performing Vegas almost every night even though the Beatles nearly put him out of business in the 1960’s.)


Written by Revaux and Claude François, English words by Anka

And now, the end is near
And so I face the final curtain
My friend, I'll say it clear
I'll state my case, of which I'm certain

I've lived a life that's full
I've traveled each and every highway
But more, much more than this
I did it my way

Regrets, I've had a few
But then again, too few to mention
I did what I had to do
And saw it through without exemption

I planned each charted course
Each careful step along the byway
But more, much more than this
I did it my way

Yes, there were times, I'm sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew
But through it all, when there was doubt
I ate it up and spit it out
I faced it all and I stood tall
And did it my way

I've loved, I've laughed and cried
I've had my fill, my share of losing
And now, as tears subside
I find it all so amusing

To think I did all that
And may I say - not in a shy way
No, oh no not me
I did it my way

For what is a man, what has he got
If not himself, then he has naught
To say the things he truly feels
And not the words of one who kneels
The record shows I took the blows
And did it my way


(9/2/07)