Thursday, February 23, 2012

Living in the Present Tense

I stumbled across a poem that profoundly struck a chord with me. I think others may think likewise. What amazes me is that this poem is written by a 14 years old Jason Lehman. I wonder how can someone at such a young age could think of such profound and philosophical perspectives. Lehman sent a letter to Abigail Van Buren who verified Jason's age and published the poem on her column on February 14, 1989. Please take several minutes to meditate on this. 

Present Tense

It was spring, but it was summer I wanted,
The warm days, and the great outdoors.
It was summer, but it was fall I wanted,
The colorful leaves, and the cool, dry air.
It was fall, but it was winter I wanted,
The beautiful snow, and the joy of the holiday season.
It was winter, but it was spring I wanted,
The warmth and the blossoming of nature.
I was a child, but it was adulthood I wanted,
The freedom and respect.
I was 20, but it was 30 I wanted,
To be mature, and sophisticated.
I was middle-aged, but it was 20 I wanted,
The youth and the free spirit.
I was retired, but it was middle-age I wanted,
The presence of mind without limitations.
My life was over, and I never got what I wanted.


How can you live in the moment? I find myself having a period of quiet time helpful which enables me to become more aware of the present and focus on living a purpose-driven life.

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