Now

One looks behind him to some vanished time
And says, “Ah, I was happy then, alack!
I did not know it was my life’s best prime--
Oh, if I could go back!”

Another looks, with eager eyes aglow,
To some glad day of joy that yet will dawn,
And sighs, “I shall be happy then, I know;
Oh, let me hurry on.”

But I--I look out on my fair To-day;
I clasp it close and kiss its radiant brow.
Here with the perfect present let me stay,
For I am happy now!