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My Four Minutes
When I beheld the time-line
of my existence,
I saw it ran for eternity—
I existed before I was born;
I will live after I die.
But one small speck upon that line,
caught my eye.
I saw it was my life.
Oh! How small it seemed to me,
when compared to all the rest.
Just four short minutes in my
little infinity.
For the first minute, I was a child—
young and carefree.
And then I turned thirteen—
suddenly all grown up.
But then I truly grew up—
with a child of my own.
Then my child did the growing—
and I was left alone.
Just four short minutes in my
little infinity.
And when I looked at all I had
experienced,
I saw no other time as full
as my four minutes.
So much in so little—
Just four short minutes in my
little infinity.
So much pain and
so many tears.
So much laughter and
so many smiles.
I would never trade a thing
for my four short minutes in my
little infinity.
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This article has 4 comments.
This poem was also inspired by my contemplation of life and its meaning, brought on by my best friend telling me that her mom had been diagnosed with cancer. This one focuses on all that we experience and enjoy during our mortal life, though it's very very small compared to the rest of our existence. Yes, I do believe in heaven, and I believe that we will live for eternity in a perfected state after we die. I hope this poem inspires people to be grateful for their four short minutes, and not take them for granted. Life is short, so enjoy every minute of it! :)