NOW.

One looks behind him to some vanished time

And says, “Ah, I was happy then, alack!

I did not know it was my life’ s best prime —

Oh, if I could go back!”

Another looks, with eager eyes aglow,

To some glad day of joy that yet will dawn,

And sighs, “I shall be happy then, I know;

Oh, let me hurry on.”

But I — I look out on my fair To-day;

I clasp it close and kiss its radiant brow.

Here with the perfect present let me stay,

For I am happy now!