Collecting Moments Poem by Jim Yerman

Some people think time is merciless…an unrelenting autocrat
but there are moments when I think…there's more to her than that.

Have you ever had that perfect moment…when surrounded by family or friends
that moment when you wished to yourself…I hope this moment never ends?

That moment you stop to look around…knowing nothing can compare
for at that moment love is palpable…you can feel it in the air.

And you take a moment to thank time…for pausing…and you smile
as you savor this momentary respite…if only for a while.

And when this fleeting moment's over and time again begins to drift
You realize by moving slowly…time has given you a gift.

Have you ever had that awful moment…perhaps with family or friends
that moment when you wished to yourself…I can't wait for this moment to end.

That moment you stop to look around…a moment you cannot bare
for at that moment sorrow is palpable…and sadness fills the air.

And you take a moment to pray that time will not linger…will not stay
that she will gather up this moment and hurry it away.

And when that moment's over and time again begins to drift
you realize by moving quickly…time has given you a gift.

Life is about collecting moments…moments such as these
moments collected over time which become our memories…

But by slowing down and speeding up…I think you'll come to find
time is not always merciless…sometimes she's benevolent…and kind.