Toll Of Time Poem by Jose Mathews Kannamplal

Toll of Time

Tide will try its embowered pride, and time will take its toll,
With men or women, boy or girl, sure it never leaves at all,
For those who dwell upon this tranquil green terrestrial ball,
Till we have the fleeting breath, and gently hear the final call,
And close the eyes for earthly sleep within the coffin's wall,
Yes time will take its toll without regret, for sure without a fall.

Yes let the journey on, we have no time, to waste in hidden tears,
Yes let the journey on, for we need to go ahead unbidden for years,
Joy and coy, peace, and ease, mystery and misery, life and laughter,
Like dawn and dusk, should go hand in hand, at work, or leisure,
For it is life's greatest source of vibrant power and lasting pleasure,
Never mourn up on awful shadow of the past lonely years of fear,

Robe our life, or dwell upon the darkened days of solitude or tear,
We have no time for regrets, be bruised over the past and for tears,
Arise; run with triumphal song for we need to go ahead with cheer for years,
Turmoil without, with will and courage for those lovely years to appear,
Like the scroll that curls at the petals edge of a rose without a wear.

Jose Mathews Kannamplal
(Bappu)
Dated 1st March 1998
9 PM to 9: 20 PM