"To touch the cup ...."

 

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 a 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.

Anonymous