One looks behind him to some vanished time
    And says, "Ah, I was happy then, alack!
I did not know it was my life's best prime---
    Oh, if I could go back!"

Another looks, with eager eyes aglow,
    To some glad day of joy that yet will dawn,
And sighs, "I shall be happy then, I know.
    Oh, let me hurry on."

But I---I look out on my fair To-day;
    I clasp it close and kiss its radiant brow,
Here with the perfect present let me stay,
    For I am happy now!