Now

by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

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!