Time's Long And Flowing River

In time's long and flowing river,
Swept along, I cannot roam—
Contemplate the life I'm living—
As it takes me surely home.

Many times I've longed to linger,
Spend a while outside the flow;
Let the trials of life slip by me,
But I'm drawn along in tow.

Looking at my friends and family,
Oh how young they seem to be!
River flows, and they're much older;
Time is also changing me.

Gentle moments with my children;
How I thought they'd always be.
Look again, and one is missing!
Gone ahead to wait for me.

Errors made when I was younger
Follow me and cause regrets.
Can't go back, the river's flowing;
Sometimes fear what lies ahead.

Sad and happy times together
Blend as one into a scene.
Time does that in such a manner,
Almost seems to be a dream.

But I have a watchful Pilot,
Always knows just where we are.
Keeps us safe within His river,
'Til it crosses heaven's bar.

Copyright 1996 James McAlister

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