NOW.

One looks behind him to some vanished time And says, “Ah, I was happy then, alack! I did not know it was my life’s best prime— Oh, if I could go back!”

Another looks, with eager eyes aglow, To some glad day of joy that yet will dawn, And sighs, “I shall be happy then, I know; Oh, let me hurry on.”

But I—I look out on my fair To-day; I clasp it close and kiss its radiant brow. Here with the perfect present let me stay, For I am happy now!