When I Look Back

I’d like to live from day to day

And spend its gift in such a way

So that when I look back I’ll say

I had the life I wanted

I’d like to be aware of this;

That Time for all its kick and kiss

Does not veer from the Now that Is

And oft I take for granted

I’d like to see when I look back

Not fantasies these hours lack

But joy on joy on joy; a stack

Reaching to Heaven’s border

Thus I would like the eyes to see

That which is right in front of me

To make it all that it can be

Of tick-tock’s law and order

I’d like think when I am old

And I look back on moment-gold

That I had more than I could hold

Of common taking-giving

Then when I lay me down to rest

And I have filled time’s last request

I’d like to think I did my best

And life was worth the living

© Janet Martin