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!