If a poem you would write,

Now's the time!

Ne'er was epic yet or sonnet

Captured but by leaping on it;

Pegasus depend upon it,

Knows his time.

If you have a task to do,

Now's the time!

Now, while you've a notion to it;

Now, while zeal will help you do it;

Or in shame you'll hobble through it,

Out of time.

If you have a word of praise,

Now's the time!

Should the sky, while flowers are growing

Stint its gracious dew-bestowing

Ne'er would come the rainhow-glowing

Blossom time.

If you have a kiss to give,

Now's the time!

Lips, like flowers, soon are faded,

Life-blood pallid, checked, and jaded,

If they are not love—o'ershaded,

Kissed in time.

If you have a prayer to pray,

Now's the time!

Not to every hour are given

Upward look and open heaven;

Oh, be strengthened, gladdened, shriven,

While there's time!

-Amos Russel Wells-