Let's Dare To Live

 ...how soon the afternoon donned deeper shades, then disappeared...

Each morning climbs the hill until it becomes afternoon

Then, like the shade that climbs through every fence and gate to lie

Across the yard, the afternoon turns into vesper-tune

And so it goes, from bud to rose to slumber’s lullaby

Then we should pause, because who knows how soon That Gong will toll

And we should purpose in this place of God-anointed Time

To marvel at the way a day, a bud, a year unfolds

Then falls away like petals when the bloom has lost its shine

Let’s let a moment linger longer on our fingertips

That drip-drop from Time’s spigot will run dry. When? Ah, who knows?

Let’s laugh a little more and fill hello with first friendships

Let’s smile, let’s share, let’s dare to live as if This Door might close

Now morning climbs the hill and if God wills, the afternoon

Is waiting like a shroud that every morning dons at last

We cannot hold back moments; soon an hour claims its due

Let’s hope-love-pray before this day turns into Ever Past

© Janet  Martin