This poem was inspired by a story that one of our sixth graders read to me from his reader. A child visited a toy store and the salesman charged time for everything the child wanted to buy. A bicycle would cost him maybe 60 hours. I’m not sure of exact amounts – I was completely taken in by the concept. 

The story called to me for the rest of the week. What if we looked at everything we bought and acquired as a negotiation of the time we were given in this world? What if we were really trading the greatest commodity, time, for a lesser commodity, gold or money or stuff. 

It’s a fun and challenging thought. So here is my poetic response… 🙂 

We are given 

in the very first breath,

A promise 

that there will be a death.

Our bodies 

they will change and grow.

Our souls 

Forever searching for a deeper glow.

But time marches on

And slows for none.

The songs we sing

Can’t be undone.

Time a gift

Which cannot be traded.

Not for all the riches

Don’t be baited. 

Gold no longer

The standard most sought.

But time

The luxury which cannot be bought. 

Time the only gift

Once lost is lost for good.

A moment cannot be relived

Once gone is gone for good.

A single breath

More valuable than the stars.

Be still, give thanks

His breath is ours.

And Pics!!