The past is mournful, <br /> the future uncertain, <br /> <br />All we have is what slips by <br /> through this wormhole <br />of the setting sky, <br /> <br />It is dangerous to unearth what you have done <br /> and frightening to know <br /> what you might, <br /> <br />So stay safe in the now, <br /> stealing each moment like a thief, <br /> skulk in the shadow of the clock; <br /> <br /> move as it moves, stop as it stops <br /> <br />Do not remain in the past, <br /> nor leap too far toward the future, <br /> <br />Rather, stay in the present, <br /> in its swirling circle of klieg lights, <br /> the one enlightened spot, <br /> <br />Whirl, as Shiva, <br /> at the edge of the stage, twirling <br /> until the curtain drops. <br /> <br />And if, at some pivotal point, pirouetting <br /> from the scheduled order, <br /> you mistake a tardy toe step, <br /> <br />Slip, miss or lose the beat, <br /> tripping over your foot <br /> out of the spot light, <br /> <br />Then smile, like the Buddha, <br /> having stumbled upon some timeless <br /> organic laughter, <br /> <br />Regain your spot, <br /> your composure, your center <br /> and find the rhythm, <br /> <br />The rhyme, the measure, the meter in a breath of time <br /> that sets the bodies clock, <br /> to the tide of the pulsing heart.<br /><br />John Tansey<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/staying-safe-in-the-now/
