I Will Live This Day as if It Is My Last

    I will live this day as if it is my last.

    And what then shall I do? Forgetting yesterday neither will I think of tomorrow. Why should I throw note after maybe? Can tomorrow's sand flow through the glass before today's? Will the sun rise twice this morning? Can I perform tomorrow's deeds whilestanding1in today's path? Can I place tomorrow's gold in today's purse? Can tomorrow's child be born today? Can tomorrow's death cast its shadow backward and darken today's joy? Should I concern myself over events which I may never witness? Should Itorment2myself with problems that may never come to pass? No! Tomorrow lies buried with yesterday, and I will think of it no more.

    I will live this day as if it is my last.

    This day is all I have and these hours are now myeternity3. I greet this sunrise with cries of joy as a prisoner who isreprieved4from death. I lift my arms with thanks for this priceless gift of a new day. So too, I will beat upon my heart withgratitude5as I consider all who greeted yesterday's sunrise who are no longer with the living today. I am indeed a fortunate man and today's hours are but a bonus,undeserved.