Mindfulness

Be mindful of love
           so that you may see
in the day as well
           as in the dark

sight and sound
           may be a distraction
so that you may not
           see or hear
all that you
           necessarily should

how long does it take
           to appreciate a rose
without dismissing it
           in seconds as a gorgeous
stereotype
           how long to see it
in all its glory
           in the simplicity
and freshness
           of its beauty

and remember
           that time takes time
and that these days
           will never come again
nor this rose
           and unless you
care for it well
           nor this love

John Lyons