Time. Poem by Nabakishore Dash

'Time and tide waits for none',
a universally accepted, very often
quoted old proverb.
Genuine, uncontroversial,
very popular among the teachers
and the taught as superb.

One can not lend or borrow,
buy and sell, hoard and stockpile
even a moment of time.
It flies and flies fast,
without caring for our plans,
to progress in its line.

Neither fire can burn,
nor weapons can cut,
neither water can moisten,
nor wind can wither.
Time is just like the soul in the body,
eternal and same for all,
Whether we use or waste,
it continues to scamper.

It is limitless like the sky,
no date of birth and death,
more precious than diamond,
none can estimate its worth.
Once lost can never come back
like the spoken word, sped arrow,
missed opportunity and
life after death.

Time is neither good nor bad,
but neutral and impartial for all.
How we utilize time determines
whether we rise or fall.

It can be used for war and peace,
hate and love, kill and save,
as we choose.
Unwise and wise decisions in life,
corresponding actions
result in abuse or amuse.