Torrent of Tick and Tock

It runs us through and through

Where soon the new is old

And what we once were sure we knew

Must stretch and reach and fold

Triumph and defeat meld

Like paint upon a tray

The dream, always somewhat withheld

To drive us day to day

…a rush of highs and lows

Soon tatter like a reed

Tossed in a wind that stilly blows

And turns the bloom to seed

Alas and hip-hooray

Turns seasons into years

In dappled dash of day to day

A lifetime disappears

But look; the paling sky

Allots to push and pull

A fresh-from-heaven me-oh-my

To be lived to the full

...and not to be received

With hearts that pine and brood  

But to let our best be achieved

Through humble gratitude

© Janet Martin

some references in this poem like 'push and pull' and 'painter's tray' might be

inspired, due to the fact that I've been painting for the past few days...

Laundry room and kitchen dining area done...

main kitchen today if life allows.

Four years ago I start painting the kitchen,

suddenly life crowded in and four years disappeared.

so this time, by hook and by crook,

I hope to finish it! 

So teach us to number our days,

 That we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 90:12