December 2005  

If Time Would Slow    ©    by    Nannette Swift Melcher
 

Suppose that time would stop, or even slow
    And we could live and love without the fear
Of age, of pain, of separation’s blow;
    Enjoy the health of youth year after year.
It would be like a sunny summer day
    That sparkles on and on ‘til you desire
Some rain, some wind, a squall to blow away
    This too idyllic life of which you tire.
But time speeds on and coldness crisps the air.
    We are our best selves as we face the storm.
Prepared for pain or pleasure that we share,
    Together we will keep each other warm.
        How much more special is each hour we spend
        Because we know that time will bring an end.

Previously published in the North Carolina Poetry Society's
Pinesong: Awards 2005. Used with the poet's permission.
NOTICE: The copyright © for this poem belongs to the poet.