Now

Now

Long not for beauty on a distant shore,
But at your feet seek now your treasure store.
In England's lanes you'll find your soul's demands.
Not in exotic streets of fabled lands.

Long not for gifts beyond your scope or ken.
God gives enough within the hearts of men.
The tools and arms for struggle lie within
The purlieu of His gifts. Beyond is sin.

Long not for long forsaken joys of youth
Within the now there lie essential truth.
Both yearnings for the past and future dreads,
Destroy our peace and keep us from our beds.

Within contentment lies the soul's delight
Not in the ecstasy of one glad night.
Strive with your soul and use your gifts to find
The balance of real peace of heart and mind.

Published in Island Inspirations3 an anthology of Mersea Writers' works, sold for charity