Classic Poem

Let us live only by the minute,
Not even by the day or hour;
Our life has too much hazard in it
To dare forespend one moment's power.

The glance of Fear toward to-morrow
Can paralyze the hand to-day;
The gaze of Hope such light can borrow
As dazzles Duty on her way.

Just seventy heart-beats to the minute;
So God has typed our seventy years.
This moment is a life;—begin it
As though unknown were smiles or tears.

What though it bring to thee a sadness!
Still, one short life will be well-spent;
And if it flow to thee with gladness,
Then drink with joy what God hath sent.

So living only by the minute,
In toil or rest, or joy or strife;
Is there perfection? Thou shalt win it
Through living well the minute's life.