I, Father Donato Norrisimo, am neither pure nor green,

For through the ages I've paid the wages, the world I have seen.

Neither disappointed nor saddened, nor thwarted nor maddened,

For I the battle have won .

I am, you see, approaching road's end, few choices left to share.

The paths I chose were mine to take , and I have led me there.

Neither disappointed nor saddened, nor sated or smitten,

For I the battle have won .

The years flew by like fleeting stars, they sparkled, then grew dim,

I worked and won -- what glory there, that I should pass with them.

How often I wonder, would the world be asunder

If I no battle had won.

-- From the heart of Father Donato Norrisimo

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