Vow the Now

So many summers but this is the first
In which I pursue the better and best
As now I let go of the worse and worst
To live in the now and forget the rest
The future which never comes and the past
Which I must leave behind me now at last

Put aside what-if and what-might-have-been
To focus on this moment in-between
Since out of all of time is only this
Not what-was-once nor remains-to-be-seen:

I vow the now and seal it ...with a kiss

+Steven Curtis Lance



Copyright MMVI

g`day cousin, this is pure gold, an anthem to the present, the simple joys and heartaches of life and living. fly dear cousin there is nought can stop you now, an absolutely inspiring verse. keep well steve and take care as always greg.

In the Australian version, the first line reads:

"So many WINTERS but this is the first"

It's really hot in my house even now, here at something past midnight. Of course, I'm drinking very hot and very strong tea; this is another reason why I should live right side-up down under: I'm obviously upside down here.

Thanks so much for your great kindness to me over these years, Cousin. I am truly grateful to you. I love your new poem, by the way; thank you for this and for everything you give us.

Cousinly love,

+Stevie