Twelve Minutes Ago

I nestle a tab under my tongue At just twenty eight, I’m still quite young Before too long I feel it coming on strong Dreamily, lazily I see my past with new clarity Every question now answered amply I see nearly three decades filled with so much regret An eternity before I’m permitted to forget I lead an unremarkable life Few advantages, laden with strife Only now can I see the failure of MY choices Surrounded by better options, my compassion convulses I can do so much more So many different ways to create joy galore Menial tasks needn’t be a chore It’s always been my choice Is it OK if I choose to rejoice? I can find ways to enhance my self respect With others in need I choose to connect What I have I can celebrate What I want needn’t devastate It’s always been my choice Is it OK if I choose to rejoice? I can Live without disdain Lost friends I’ll regain Feel pride when sought-out comforting others in pain Embody excitement, accepting the occasional mundane I can Teach Convey hope with new found reach Channel empathy through innovative speech It’s always been my choice Is it OK if I choose to rejoice? I have more control than I know Now is my chance to let it show There can be more laughter With humor, I can be an injector Mastering quiet, when others speak I’m an active listener I can read more, learn more, invest in myself Spend my time with greater purpose Sprinkling fun into drudgery I’m tireless How do I know, This leads to a more fulfilling existence A life of broad acceptance In which I make a difference I see all of this with great clarity Only now Because I died, Twelve minutes ago