Sunday, January 25, 2009

One Single Impression -- If Only I Had Time

If only I had time, I would write a poem.

Time is not ours to have,
cannot be stilled;
grasping to hold,
clasping the past,
the moment is lost.


Our molecules flow
moment by moment,
bodies changing,
while the mind
steeped in illusion,
makes lists.

Instead, remember
how not to plan,
and find that place
where time is marked
by naught but tides.

©sgreerpitt
January 25, 2009

Photograph of the Pacific Ocean off San Mateo County, March 1993, taken by me.

13 comments:

SandyCarlson said...

The wisdom of this is gorgeous. Truly. To realize we change always and the world changes always and that we are part of some vast and beautiful, fluid and graceful movement is a liberating gift. You say it so well and with such economy. Thanks, Sue.

Sherri B. said...

Our molecules flow
moment by moment,
bodies changing,
while the mind
steeped in illusion,
makes lists.


Such pure truth in this stanza! I love your poem, but this part was my absolute favorite. :~)

Haiku Tuna said...

So thought provoking, lovely. Like Sandy & FP, I love the concept of change in your poem but especially love the line "Time is not ours to have".

Thanks for your comments on my site - you captured my intent so clearly -- not what could be, but what cannot due to our human lifespan. I'm feeling very melancholy these days...

Amias (ljm and liquidplastic) said...

This is amazing. Are you sure you need a creative writing course? Seems to me you write rather well on any subject you chose.

"Our molecules flow
moment by moment,
bodies changing,
while the mind
steeped in illusion,
makes lists."


How true this is .. as it stand I don't plan my day, I just let it happen. Thank you for this wonderful poem -- where wisdom abound.

Quiet Paths said...

Oh yes, you speak my language lady. Thank you for some deep wisdom which I need to renew in my mind each day.

Anonymous said...

Sue, great poem, but it was the last verse that will stay with me. As much as I plan, it all comes down to going with the tides.

Anonymous said...

your beautiful words were already qouted so i can only say:

YES

and one more time

YES!!!

Geraldine said...

this is beautifully written Sue. love your take on this prompt. well done!!!

Hugs, G

Maggie said...

I enjoyed al in your poem but this really spoke to me...

Instead, remember
how not to plan,
and find that place
where time is marked
by naught but tides.

I can recall as a child how my daddy would come home from his shift job at 11PM and inform the family we were all going to get in the car and go visit his kin folks who lived in another state.

I learned very young that some of the best times in the world do not have to be planned.

Jim said...

Sue, this resonates with several chords of mine. First is our daughter, Karen the accountant (well now a 'financial analyst').
When she discovered the goodness of Santa she began making lists. All her life she has lived with lists. She may have one for things to do when she is dying. My favorite of hers is her list of places to go while she can travel.
That 'list' behavior was prevelant among a lot of my better accounting students (I taught law, not accounting).

Next, make it short, and last is the wonderful feeling of being retired. Now that I am retired I do live by the tides. And often I make my own tide sequence.
..
Thank you, I enjoyed this poem. I just need more time.
..

me ann my camera said...

Wonderful... capture the moment to be all for the fullness of it.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

(sorry about that!)

So moving, so beautiful Sue!

I'd like to give you the "honest scrap" award. You can pick it up here:
http://wobblyleggs.blogspot.com/2009/01/my-honest-scraps.html