Time - There, Here, Now and Then

I. [There]

Use it wisely,

Don’t waste.

Manage, master and mind

That time. Fill the day

Rise to rest.

Walk fast, head down,

Don’t look, don’t talk.

Be on time, never late.

What’s your schedule?

Pencil me in.

II. [Here]

It’s time is not yet.

“I’m coming” [pause] (as she walks away)

Leave when it’s full,

Start when professor comes,

Leave when lecture ends.

Depart when driver awakes.

Speak to me, learn Twi,

Good afternoon my friend.

III. [Now]

5 hours late

            Met a stranger, talked about life

Filled up in 40 minutes

            Fan ice and plantain chip break

4 hour lunch

            Where else did we have to be?

Class out early

            Extra Tawala time

Delayed professor

            Email to mom

Friend late to meet

            Amateur philosophy, advanced billiards and familiar strangers

IV. [Then]

Turn off the alarm,

Trust the sun.

Go when I am ready.

Walk slow,

Say hello.

Revel in the moment,

Pay homage to the idle minute,

Delight in the surprise of solitude.

Embrace the fluid second and

Stop worshipping perfect, rigid structure.

Reject obsession with control.

Relax;

Let the universe dictate when it is ready

Read the signs of yes or no.

Listen to the breathing clock of life.