Time, yes! So whether we like it or not, time largely controls all our lives in one way or another, and at some (sorry lol), time! And as my dear mum often used to quote, among many others sayings, “time and tide wait for no man”!
Indeed they don’t, and as the old proverb suggests, we cannot dwell, dawdle or procrastinate as time is slipping by, and any opportunities may therefore be lost! So best that we heed that sage-like warning for surely it must to be true, as apparently that proverb, or saying if you prefer, dates all the way back to 1225 and is mostly credited to St Marher.
Now what particular opportunity “Our St Marher” was so concerned about missing that he “penned” that saying, goodness knows! The sardonic poet in me wonders if he wasted his valuable time writing it before his “golden opportunity”, or more sensibly he wrote it later, when presumably the object of “importance of time” was safely in his “metaphoric bag”? Probably we will never know, but now “I” mustn’t waste time considering it all, and push on!
So moving on now it is an ideal “time” to introduce my first poem, and of course with perfect presentation it is called “Not That Kind of Time” and is from my 3rd book Reviews of Life in Verse…
Not That Kind of Time
With stealth and cruelty the years go by
Casting spells on both body and mind,
So that we wither and our frailties form
Thus we realise, time’s not that kind.
Our resisting brain cells and lively wit
Dispute any damage is being done,
So you still believe you are fit and well
When in truth you can barely run!
But is it wrong to live a white lie?
You’re still young and everything works,
For the real truth will slowly seep in
So that doubts and uncertainty lurks.
Going back over time, you now see it all.
The things you did, or should have tried,
For however much you want to catch up
You can’t do this when you’ve died!
The march of the years won’t be stopped
Whatever actions you try to pursue.
For once you did things to kill time,
But that time is now killing you!
With stealth and cruelty the years go by
Casting spells on both body and mind,
So that we wither and our frailties form
Thus we realise, time’s not that kind.
They say time and tides wait for no man
Though we can do things as they release,
But do not squander or spoil the years
Or you will lose your inner peace.
So maybe best to make a covenant now
As your body loses all strength and vigour,
For the secret of youth and endless life
Is a solution we are yet to figure!
–
Not that kind of time then, and even contains the point about “time and tide” not waiting! Wow I even surprise myself at times, but there is much more so please read on.
Another line in that poem (very popular when I do my reading gigs) mentions us doing things to “kill time”, which of course we all have to do on occasions, although perhaps we should be aware and try to this more productively or usefully?.I guess another point here is about just taking things easy and relaxing, which we all must do at times to recharge our batteries, as ho ho, another saying goes! Worth a thought?
Another poem that always brings about great interest and often compliments too, follows now with again a very apt title and theme. “Moment in Time” was written following an early and unexpected death in the family, and also reached a Forward Poetry national final and is published in their book as well, (as are five others of mine in their books too), but features in my 4th book Life Scene in Verse…
Moment in Time
The world spins on its axis
Night darkens the light of day,
Summer follows winter and spring
Our times were made that way.
Yet we go on in our existence
Even if we want to or not,
For however much we fight it
We mostly have the life we’ve got.
For as we continue on our road,
Days will come that bring our turn.
To have some suffering to bear,
From which we need to learn.
For as our loved ones die on us
Others will come as we see them go.
Replaced by babes newly born,
In natures continuous flow.
So enjoy what you have now
For as long as you possibly can,
Because there is no certainty
Of the time scale given to man.
Waiting for exactly the right time
To do all that you want to do,
May catch you out very badly
And be totally denied to you.
Thus best appreciate it all now
Even if the truth hurts and numbs,
For however hard to accept it
Sometimes tomorrow never comes.
–
Yes a moment in time that perhaps we all have, and should indulge, hopefully to make us aware of the precious but finite tenure our lives exist on?
Well that is largely my meant conclusion of that poem, but it never ceases to please and humble me when people comment on my work in complimentary fashion, and say that such and such a poem had a special resonant impression for them. Yes, nice! It has happened many times with that poem.
Time, how to use it, how long we will get, and what impact it has on us, are all common considerations of that enigma time!
Of course another very important thought on time is how much will we have with a loved one, a relationship or perhaps a flirtation. On that theme I now offer “A Wildest Dream” from my 2nd book More Poetic Views of Life…
A Wildest Dream
Looking back inside ourselves
How wistfully we can recall,
Times and places that have gone,
Wildest dreams that had to fall.
Many an act or adventure bold
That mostly could not be,
Something that was not known,
Or meant for you and me.
Eyes and ears that are seeking
Sights and sounds passing by,
Driven by some unknown force
That came from sea or sky.
So I listened to all the melodies
And then had to pick a card,
Knowing surely it would lose
And thus be forever marred,
By decisions that are Hobson’s
Though seen to be our choice,
But it’s very hard to call out
If the music has your voice!
Looking back inside ourselves
How wistfully we can recall,
Times and places that have gone,
Wildest dreams that had to fall.
I can still remember days
And wonder what we think,
Of those once upon a times,
When life was on the brink.
Music, love and laughter
That took stars from on high,
To put down for us to see
What light just had to die.
–
Do you have, or maybe you had, a wildest dream, and did time have any influence or relevance to this dream or experience?
Our “times” in life, good and bad, all build a picture “that in time” we will look back on, or maybe already do? Strange just what time will do to people, but then to quote another saying “there is none so queer as folk”.
Thus ignoring the modern twist on that old saying, it points out that we all have different “takes” on life, events and experiences, which of course will be tempered by the influences of time on these too. So there we are, time and tides waiting for no man, their hopes, aspirations and also intentions.
Before ending this latest article of mine with the last poem called “Out of Time”, I need to lead it in by mentioning that “our time” in life could be a measure of how long we have to live. So with a nostalgic and tragic memory for me of a valued and beloved friend who was taken from this world by that evil curse cancer, I wrote this poem for her, and it was featured in my first published book entitled “Poetic Views of Life”…
Out of Time
Crashing wind and driving rain
Conspired to fill the day,
That you were finally laid to rest
And gave everyone their say,
Of all that you had meant to them
In each and every way.
But though your candle has gone out
Your spirit still shines bright,
And no disgusting weather’s blast
Could cause us any doubt,
That you had brightened up the life
Of all that came in sight.
It’s said that when you leave this earth
You wend your way to heaven,
But whether you believe in this
And however you are leaven,
None should have to leave the world
When they’re aged just fifty seven!
Crashing winds and driving rain
Conspired to fill the day,
That you were finally laid to rest
And made the light seem grey.
Crashing winds and driving rain
Washed the tears and gave it’s sign,
That however hard you’d tried
You had still run out of time.
–
So that is “time” for the end of this article on time. Enjoy your times and days!
A Regular ending for monthly articles
All five of my books :–
Poetic Views of Life
More Poetic Views of Life
Reviews of Life in Verse &
Life Scene in Verse
Life Presented In Verse,
will all ensure my donation to the excellent charity I support, promote and donate to, that being Help for Heroes.
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