What shall we memorize of Here and Now?

Can maps be drawn to lead us back again?

Let us break off this upthrust golden bough,

And praise this leafy moment to all men.

Let us take back this curious rock to show;

We will remember what we thought here then.

For the world is turning over toward the dark,

And every morning lights a different sky

Further from this lost moment lying stark.

Unless we have enchantment it will die.

Not maps, nor leaves, nor shiny pebbles hoarded.

Not even your name and date cut deep in wood.

But take the strands of sense, colored and corded,

The long bright threads that held you where you stood

That moment all you gazed upon was good,

And interlace them, twine them so you twist

A rope of light made pure beyond all art.

Then bind and tie it tightly round the wrist,

And as the heart beats feel it in the heart.