Time...

there are moments
we've falsely categorized
into seconds
which spread, ripples in the stream
web-like cracks on tinted glass
scratch-marks on a lifespan

the star we orbit
hints at speed
events in order
one after another
but perhaps
the deception is in the nuance

the frames of film
separated by the spaces
between the captured images
between the moments of portrayal
in that vital space
hides meaning and verse
consciousness

but perhaps there is one image
and one alone
constantly and consistently
erased and remade
existent in the exactness of its similar nonexistence
persistent in its scope and
complete in its form

memory, then,
would be the spaces in between the frames
where there is only one frame
and the conscious mind
perceives only that frame
present-tense
whereas there is such a necessity
for depth, and such an automation
of cause and effect
in perception
that, though there is nothing but
present-tense

the end, in effect
justifies the means
using the mean
of the present
to frame a context
past-tense
therefore inventing the idea
of cause

then labeling
present-tense
as no longer an end
but the means
to frame
a further effect
making what is a cause
for all that could be
in the absolute abstract

for there is only the moment
clocks a deceitful ploy
for a species seeking order
with shadows and ticking sounds

and in this present moment
we find meaning
through full confrontation
standing at attention
diving in most utterly
drowning in recognition
of the futility of holding a moment
such as this,
which is all there is

we then perceive this moment as passing
as if its erasing and remaking is something
that happened or will happen
and in this perception
there is anxiety, there is fear
there is mortality, and dread
and desperation, and despair

for then what is the possibility of forever?
what is eternal?
our temporal selves only know of how we perceive
the comings and the goings of happenstance
but true atemporal existence
(if such a thing can honestly be demeaned to be called "existence")
is this

I AM that I AM
said the maker of time
eternally present
an eternity without beginning or end
comings or goings
regrets or fears
an eternity
that pays attention
that dares to stare
steadfastly

and without
regrets
or fears
the moment
becomes more than an observed point
along the way to something more grand
it becomes an all-encompassing
existence

for when there is no past
and no future
but the moment
and those with whom to share it
the spaces our regrets and fears create
between the frames
tend to blur and fade
and time itself gives way
to selflessness
till the eternity
which dares to stare
steadfastly
is the only moment
and in that moment
there is only
love