Improved

Life itself could be enough for me
Were I not, selfish, dedicated to
My own improvement and prosperity;
Because of that, I take a different view.
I must have room to feel I have improved;
Some state which can, by reasonable acts,
Make me have hope that, someday, if I'm moved
To make the effort, working from the facts
Before me, I can be a better man,
In mind, in outward seeming, in my strength,
Or any other part. If life should ban
That self-improvement, I might find at length
That life is insufficient. What I'd do
In that predicament, I wish I knew.