# Don’t Time the Time #

A reflective poem about the fleeting nature of time and the beautiful freedom retirement can bring. It reminds us to stop waiting for the “right time” and start cherishing the simple moments, passions, relationships, and quiet joys that make life meaningful.

Don’t Time the Time — Live It

Do not time the Time,
my friend—
let it flow.

It never stops
to ask if we are ready,
never turns back
for those left behind.

Time has wings—
silent, invisible,
always moving.

Yesterday was once
the tomorrow we worried about.
Today is already
slipping into yesterday.

So don’t try to hold Time.
You cannot.

Instead,
hold the moment.

Hold the morning sunlight,
the laughter of a friend,
the hand beside you,
the warmth of your cup of tea.

Enjoy the walk,
the song,
the painting,
the prayer,
the book,
the quiet afternoon
when nothing happened
and yet everything felt peaceful.

Retirement teaches us
what work often makes us forget:

Time was never waiting
for us to finish our duties.
It was living alongside us.

We simply didn’t always notice.

We spent years saying,
“I’ll do it when I have time.”

Now, perhaps,
is that time.

So take the walk.
Write the poem.
Make the call.
Learn something new.
Sketch.
Create.
Meet a friend.
Watch the sunset.

And if you choose
to sit quietly with your tea
and watch the world go by—

that’s living too.

Because retirement
is not the end of time.

It is an invitation
to finally live it.

Do not time the Time.

Live it.
Feel it.
Cherish it.
And let it fly.

(Vijay Verma)
 www.retiredkalam.com


Categories: kavita

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17 replies

  1. Very true words about time and life in general! Yesterday is gone, tomorrow is not promised, today is what we have. Let us seize the day!

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Again, another wonderful message about enjoying the minute.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thank you so much for your kind words! 😊 Life truly unfolds one minute at a time, and each little moment deserves to be noticed and cherished. Sometimes, the simplest moments carry the greatest joy. 🌿✨

      Let us slow down, be present, and enjoy the beautiful gift called “now.” 🙏

      Liked by 1 person

  3. A beautiful reminder that retirement isn’t an end but the beginning of truly owning your time. Cherishing the present is where real freedom lives! 🌿✨

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thank you so much for your beautiful and thoughtful words! 🌿✨
      Indeed, retirement gives us the precious freedom to slow down, rediscover ourselves, and truly own our time.
      I believe the real joy lies in using that freedom meaningfully—creating, learning, loving, and cherishing each moment.

      Like

  4. What a beautiful and deeply touching poem, Vijay!
    “Do not time the Time. Live it.” is such a powerful reminder to cherish the simple, quiet moments of life. Thank you for this wonderful reminder!

    Liked by 1 person

  5. To paraphrase be in the moment.

    It is such an easy axiom to put on paper, but so much tougher to execute

    but a poet truly takes in those moments. That’s the nature of being a poet.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thank you for this beautiful observation. 🙏
      You are absolutely right—“be in the moment” is easy to write, but much harder to practise in everyday life. Our minds are often wandering between yesterday’s memories and tomorrow’s worries.

      Like

  6. A beautiful reminder that time is not meant to be measured, but lived. The thought that retirement is an invitation to finally live fully is especially meaningful. Simple, thoughtful, and deeply relatable.

    Like

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