One of my favorite poems from high school English was by Robert Herrick. It starts out:
“Gather ye rosebuds while ye may, Old Time is still a-flying: And this same flower that smiles to-day To-morrow will be dying. The glorious lamp of heaven, the sun, The higher he's a-getting, The sooner will his race be run, And nearer he's to setting.
That age is best which is the first, When youth and blood are warmer; But being spent, the worse, and worst Times still succeed the former.
Then be not coy, but use your time, And while ye may, go marry: For having lost but once your prime, You may for ever tarry. “
The poem was initially written and titled “To The Virgins to Make Much of Time”. But I found myself reciting the words of that poem today especially the first stanza. “Gather ye rosebuds while ye may; old time is still a flying”. Someone very dear to me passed away on yesterday, November 5, 2011. Why did this poem come to mind? Perhaps it had something to do with that old cliché – “give someone flowers while they’re living”. I found myself wondering if I had done just that. “Had I remembered to say “I love you” or “thanks for always being around”? I’ve known this person for the better part of my life and he was always there from childhood to put a smile on my face or do something “way out of left field” to make me laugh. I reflected over all the times we’d been around each other and laughed so hard I cried. His was the first gift I opened at my wedding reception. He insisted J I saw him last only a few months ago for my birthday celebration. He reminded me when I was ten years old and he bought a “swing set” for our backyard. We laughed about all the fun we’d had over the years swinging in our own backyard. I promised him a new picture. That’s all he asked for “a new picture of me” for his photo album. He always loved taking pictures J Just a few months ago . . . .. who knew it would be our last time seeing each other. I didn’t even keep my promise either. . hadn’t sent that picture. “Old time is still a-flying!” Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words.. . . another cliché! But on occasions you really just have to “say the words that make the picture”, because you can never know when it will be the last time. They say actions speak louder than words and I'm sure my actions confirmed my feelings. But sometimes you just need to voice what's in your hear - an echo that is never forgotten. Just say it!! He was eighty-two years old and some might say “he lived a full life”. Still I will miss him and the times we shared. Rest in Peace, my uncle; you will always be the greatest!
Another Ticker Moment
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