Out of Time

I need to know the world when I am old,

When I have the wisdom I deserve …

To be more man than I am now, to know

I cannot understand more than I have earned.

For I am out of time.

I want to see it through those eyes --

If truth gleams the same when dimly seen.

I want to embrace life with withered hands

To know the rough hewn feel of things.

I want to breathe life in then…

To measure the taste of it against the flavors I have known,

With an imminent death fully earned

To a spirit fully grown.

I am sure sweet memories will not be wanting,

And there will be a grand circling ‘round me then,

but ere my due departing

I’ll whisper each love’s name in turn.

I want to wake that sweet pea morning …

To stare life fully in the face

Knowing I have not cheated reason or my seasons

Yet not resolved to last the day.

To stretch those hours around me like a comforter

Warming the spirit within me like a brand,

To know the world and all that’s in it

And see it clearly that late time.

I’ll smile then to drop a tear

To cradle in my hand,

And embrace love for life so dearly

I’ll not need to live again.

Dean Forchette