It
Troubles me that time should make things sweeter, that
Instead of learning to perceive things as they are I’ve
Learned to lose them, or to see them as they disappear
Into the insubstantial future. Everything here is mine,
Or lies within my power to accept. I want to find a way
To live inside each moment as it comes, then let it go
Before it breaks up in regret or disillusionment.
~ John Koethe, from “Between the Lines,” North Point North: New and Selected Poems
Notes:
- Photo: via Mennyfox55. Poem: The Distance Between Two Doors
- Prior “Lightly child, lightly” Posts? Connect here.
- Post Title & Inspiration: Aldous Huxley: “It’s dark because you are trying too hard. Lightly child, lightly. Learn to do everything lightly. Yes, feel lightly even though you’re feeling deeply. Just lightly let things happen and lightly cope with them.”
Live & Learn 
be present.
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Oh, me too!
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Exceptional photo.
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It is!
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The poem reads like a simple guide book to middle age. Thank you for the inspiration to again see the sweetness and remember my power to accept, welcome even, the moment.
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It does Elizabeth. I’m not sure I would have appreciated it any earlier…
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This helps me to stop being so quick to fall.
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Me too Julie.
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I’m not of the regret and disillusionment camp. Memories and experience can be treasures.
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I need to get on your Bus. I do.
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You’ll have to explain a little more. Could it be that memories and experiences are negative things from your perspective?
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A wee bit too much of glass half empty yet I recognize that this approach is responsible for driving achievement.
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Ooo. Really? Is that what drives achievement? Is there no joy in it? No adventure?
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A sliver.
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mindful, in the moment, and lightly, lest we crush the essence…
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Yes.
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Very mindful. Time does play a number with us, doesn’t it?
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It does Claudia. It sure does.
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“To live inside each moment as it comes” Thats it.
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That’s it Karen. Right there…now to make it happen.
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David, I love this post. The photo is superb. The message is perfection. love it!
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Thank you Debi.
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you’re welcome 🙂
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It is all relevant, the Far distance past, near past, current reality which is not necessarily exposing the truth and decisions are made with lack of information and the future’s hope, uncertain as it is, is beckoning me…taunting me…expecting me and I look forward to each moment’s gift…the future will soon be part of my history…and I learn…
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Yes. Yes. Yes.
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