Between the past that lingers on
and that not quite yet happened time
we call the future, but it’s not,
we plan and fret and carry on
as if all time were just a thing
we use to measure out, by spoon,
more ways to waste this precious life.
We live in shadows, then and yet,
because we choose not to forget
nor let the world unfold unless
we somehow guarantee success.
Between the past we cannot shake
and what we fear may come to pass,
the simple, straight, and direct now
is lost to celebrations of our sorrow.
Time is not a ribbon.
It is not a frozen frame of film
from some great movie of our lives.
To watch it that way is to destroy the camera.
We live in shadows, was and could,
because we think we must, and should,
control the way that life proceeds,
despite our thoughts, our dreams, our deeds.
17 APR 2026
© 2026, John Litzenberg. All rights reserved.
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