Only Today

What if we could
know in advance
the day we die
then simply go to sleep
when it is our time to go?

Why this drama, suffering?
I was born on December 29, 1943
if I knew my whole life
that my death date will be
December 29, 2015
what would I do differently?

Yet we know death is inevitable
and often live as if there
is no end, ignoring that
which gives beauty to life
stuck in discontent and fear.

I want to live every day
as if it is the last
for it shows me what’s important
and what is not.

Nothing that happened in the past
matters when I have only today
no what-ifs need concern me
only this precious day
to enjoy in harmony.