L Milton Hankins Poet Free verse

Time Catches Up

Time catches up with us 
When we think we can outrun it.
We inevitably slow down,
But time presses on steadily, [and]
Before we know it, we’re entrapped
In the web of our consequences,
And all the things we thought
Wouldn’t, really did matter.

Time catches up with us,
So much older and wiser than we,
It has seen our kind come and go
And, all the while, marched steadily
Not altered or affected by our fates,
We came, we went; time carried on.

Time catches up with us,
The years come and go
As we grow older, scarcely noticing
Time passes us by, and we say,
“Where did the time go?”
“Time goes by so much faster!”
But, truthfully, time just moves along
While we slow down and, then, stop. 

Written April 2, 2022

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Caren Krutsinger April 2, 2022 at 11:49 PM Time means so little but here you have made it real "We came, we went; time carried on." L Milton Hankins April 3, 2022 at 9:21 AM Yes! Yes, it does and, unfortunately, we waste so much of it. I love it when I'm being productive, and I think you do, too. You are always doing things that bring you and others pleasure. A good life, Caren. Very commendable life.

Gershon Wolf April 2, 2022 at 7:41 PM Truthfully... you have written the truth. Resonates 1,000%. Thanks, gw L Milton Hankins April 2, 2022 at 8:21 PM Wow...thanks a lot, gw. Coming from you, it means a lot to me.

Jeff Kyser April 2, 2022 at 7:07 PM We were out at a function tonight - a bunch of youngsters, all separately, called me sir. I don't think i look dignified - I just have way more gray than they do. The little squirts... I do think that, since each year, a year is less and less of my total life, time does seem to speed up. Good words! L Milton Hankins April 2, 2022 at 8:29 PM Indeed, Jeff. However, being around young people can make you feel younger and keep up with what's going on in their generation. Frankly, I tell them to call me Milt and leave off the sir stuff. I am delighted though that many kids do have that kind of respect. They like it when I say call me Milt.

Tom Cunningham April 2, 2022 at 12:18 PM I often sit and hear the tick tock of the clock and realise its life ticking away. You just have to make the most of every day you have left never putting things off or you'll have regrets. Tom L Milton Hankins April 2, 2022 at 12:33 PM Oh, that is so true, Tom. Every minute that goes by unproductively is a minute wasted. But, understand, I don't believe quite meditation and taking good rest now and then is a waste of time.

Kim Rodrigues April 2, 2022 at 10:37 AM Well said! L Milton Hankins April 2, 2022 at 11:25 AM Thank you, Kim. I really appreciate your read and your comment.

Marco Chies April 2, 2022 at 10:35 AM Very nice one, Milton! L Milton Hankins April 2, 2022 at 11:25 AM Thank you so much, Marco. Your reading my poetry and commenting means a lot to me. I really appreciate it.