THE PRICELESS PRESENT

Present time, how much l wish
To stop you and keep you fresh.
I wish those who are around
To stay with me safe and sound.

Nothing in life is so sure;
Moments pass and bring us fear.
Nothing can satiate my heart,
Save the present that's in sight.

So dear you are present time.
You'll be past, just fit for rhyme,
That can't be displayed with ease
But with tears, and welling eyes.

Mothers, sisters, and old friends,
Whom nothing in life amends,
Lived this present for some time,
Whose worth we did not esteem.

If that "present" could return,
Their feet with kisses l'd burn;
I'd press them to my fond soul,
And their side would be my goal.

BY JOSEPH ZENIEH
____________