Under the date tree,
I paused to rest.  Then I noticed:
How many dates had fallen, all around me.
I realized my life of time is also a date tree,
And many of the dates of time have fallen from my life;
And only so many times, so many dates, remain to me.
There is and will be pain to stain my gain,
But I will take the gain within each grain of my life-sands in train.
I will taste the remaining dates of my life like the fruits of a tree.
I am determined to chew well, and swallow in enjoyment,
All the days and nights and hours that remain mine in present glint.

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Written by Michael LP
On Saturday, November 10, 2012  4:20 AM PST
59 degrees F. as of 2:32 AM.  Predicted high: 60  Low: 45
Copyright (C) 2012.  All rights reserved
(Copyrighted for my estate)