Poems (Douglas)/Time

by Sarah Parker Douglas

For works with similar titles, see Time.

Time.

Time! what art thou? what thy doings,
 As thou wing'st thy ceaseless way,
Pausing ne'er in thy pursuings
 Onward to Eternity?

Child of earth, with me I carry
 Riches to the sons of men,
But I never, never tarry,
 Nor retrace my steps again.

Those who'd prophet by must face me,
 For my treasure lies before;
Once I pass, 'tis vain to chase me—
 Time departed's seen no more.

Woe to those who let me fly them
 As a thing of little worth:
Who can bring when death comes nigh them
 Not my diamond moments forth?

Then delay not, but be doing,
 Catch the moments as they glide,
None can seize them by pursuing—
 Man retards not time nor tide.

Let not one be lost, but treasure
 Up, improve them, and be wise;
Here they'll yield thee wealth and treasure,
 Be thy passport to the skies.