Seizing the Day

O fleeting youth, enjoying every day,
beware your carpe diem isn't wrong;
the pleasure time you seize that cannot stay
is not just for your women, wine and song.

While shines the sun, the time's for making hay,
the transitory fun is only long
when love and friends are true in your bouquet
and ties to those in memory's store are strong.

There is, of course, a place for hours of play,
but don't just ape the follies of the throng;
sometimes alone we need prepare the way
for future joy than just now to belong.

Yes, stop to smell the roses on display,
but save up God's good blessings while you pray.

                                 by Pete Voelz      10/04