Any Day: Now

Choices and chances enfold us in another changing year –
earth spins round a cosmos void perhaps of meaning sound
save songs and stories, human voices, brief but clear.

We burst to life and too soon to doubt of now and here
as we covet beyond and pursue purposes more profound,
choices and chances enfold us in another changing year.

No universal compass found, adrift in existential fear,
no map, no plan, no clue to where our lives are bound
save songs and stories, human voices, brief but clear.

New babe cries, parent dies, sadness muddles mixed with cheer,
we try and err and rise and fall, as tragicomic tales surround –
choices and chances enfold us in another changing year...

We grow and learn and know that death is all too near,
so let us build our monuments of meaning on earthly ground
saving songs and stories, human voices, brief but clear.

To all that have ears, let them hear!
In shared words is universal purpose made and found.
Choices and chances enfold us in another changing year:
Save songs and stories, human voices, brief but clear.

I wrote this villanelle in December and just learned that it has been accepted for publication (I'll believe it when I actually see it in print!)