Time's an hand's-breadth; 'tis a tale; <br />'Tis a vessel under sail; <br />'Tis an eagle in its way, <br />Darting down upon its prey; <br />'Tis an arrow in its flight, <br />Mocking the pursuing sight; <br />'Tis a short-lived fading flower; <br />'Tis a rainbow on a shower; <br />'Tis a momentary ray, <br />Smiling in a winter's day; <br />'Tis a torrent's rapid stream; <br />'Tis a shadow; 'tis a dream; <br />'Tis the closing watch of night, <br />Dying at the rising light; <br />'Tis a bubble; 'tis a sigh; <br />Be prepared, O! man, to die.<br /><br />Francis Quarles<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/on-time-10/
