The Fullness of Time

May 12 2012

In the fullness of time

I hear myself say

again.

A measured step back

from urgency, self-importance,

the messed-up priorities

we fix on.

I suppose time

attains fullness

at the end of a life.

Because we are all solipsists,

and the universe stops

with us.

So on my deathbed

if I am privileged to die with grace

will I achieve the wisdom

of this tired refrain?

The distillation

of what truly counts,

as the clock ticks down

to darkness?

It’s hard to imagine revelation, clarity

in the panic, and pain

of nearing the end.

Because how many die peacefully

in bed,

having answered the final question?

No, I cannot wait

for time to be filled

the sands to empty.

Which is why I caution myself

to pause,

consider the fullness of time

the deathbed regret.

The trajectory of a life

interrupted.