Summer Poetry Challenge: Week 4

Fragmentary Blue was lovely to memorize. Now, on to this week's poem. This is for my daughter, Chelsea, who just graduated from high school and will be starting life's next big adventure soon. She's a bit of a worrier, this one, and has every reason not to be. Relax, child. You're doing well.

LIVING
by Unknown

To touch the cup with eager lips and taste, not drain it;
To woo and tempt and court a bliss--and not attain it;
To fondle and caress a joy, yet hold it lightly,
Lest it become necessity and cling too tightly;
To watch the sun set in the west without regretting;
To hail its advent in the east--the night forgetting;
To smother care in happiness and grief in laughter;
To hold the present close--not questioning hereafter;
To have enough to share--to know the joy of giving;
To thrill with all the sweets of life--is living.