No Longer and Not Yet

Stumbling towards Hogmanay
Amidst this year’s dwindling days
We cast a wistful backward glance
And forward through the unknown haze

No longer amenable to change
Those unkind words regretful deeds
The clock refusing to turn back
Too late apologies to plead

Not yet whatever lies ahead
Its promise still to be revealed
Time remains the secret’s guardian
For good or ill our fate concealed

No longer, not yet, a moment’s pause
Straddling calendar’s divide
Accept what’s past, welcome the future
Providence will yet provide

Ken Fisher