When I consider how my life is spent I

by

Jim O'Thlonn


When I consider how my life is spent
My thoughts forget
And if I make a statement of intent
Or mild regret
For things that I have never lent
Nor shall do yet
These words I vent:-
1 calculate, and from my findings now
I shall reveal, and tell both why and how
The only one
Who cannot vow
(Who isn't sure to see the sun)
To clasp his brow.

And if I make a statement of intent
Or face the truth
Of letters that I wrote but never sent
To Rosemary or Ruth
To those I met by accident
One day in Kent
- three lads uncouth -
I speculate and even if I'm wrong,
I shall not bear the penalty for long,
Or so I hope
(Recall my song)
That if for long these maidens grope
I'll use my thong.

Now I have thought enough, and I can think no
I hope you've found my thought worth waiting for