Time

by Linda McDaniel Smith

It seems you pass so quickly, Time,
That a cold December day,
Sees its shivering fires of sunset
Melting into May.

But as her cheeks glow in the sun,
Her feet are telling all
By the crackle of dead leaves beneath
That it is nearing fall.

The moments brief we love and laugh
All commiserate with sorrow,
And the songs of joy we sing today
May be laments tomorrow.

The shining cheeks of happiness
Are wet with sorrow’s tears.
And the sounds of merry laughter fall
On melancholy ears.

And, Time, one tiny second;
One paltry, trembling breath,
Is all that really stands between
Our beating heart and death