Time by Ted Kooser

In memory of our beloved Brian Landis, who passed away Friday, February 1 2019. Brian’s photography added such a beautiful visual complement to our poems for this newsletter and for the upcoming Solo Novo. He will be missed greatly. Gate Gate Paragate Parasam Gate.


Ten years ago I wrote a poem as a twenty-something contemplating the rush of time and what it will mean to grow old. Since then I go back to this topic perennially; I’m obsessed with it.


Photo Courtesy Brian Landis

Ted Kooser

Time

Time is like Fagin in Oliver Twist:
he has a gang of scoundrel clocks
and watches, and sends them out
to pickpocket our lives, but only
a coin purse or a billfold of minutes
per outing. You feel a little tug,
and check your pocket, and find
to your surprise that another
day’s gone. When I was young
I was foolish and carried my life
right out in the open, a satchel
full of years, strode blithely smiling
into the numberless mornings.
Now I’m old and live on what’s left.
I keep the precious minutes warm
in my sweater pockets, clutched
in my spotted blue hands.


Toast was a weekly email newsletter that ran from July 2018 to March 2019. All of the pieces from Toast’s run and more can be read in Solo Novo 5/6.

  • Glenna Luschei, Abiding Publisher and Editor Emeritus
  • Benjamin Daniel Lawless, Editor in Chief
  • Tom Harrington, Contributing Editor
  • Rena Ferro, Managing Editor
  • Brian Landis, Photographer and Advisor