7 : My Favourite Poem - Something Borrowed...

Look Well To This Day

 





 

Look to this day
for it is life
the very life of life.
In its brief course lie all
the realities and truths of existence
the joy of growth
the splendor of action
the glory of power.

 

For yesterday is but a memory
And tomorrow is only a vision.
But today well lived
makes every yesterday a memory of happiness
and every tomorrow a vision of hope.

Look well, therefore, to this day.

 

Anonymous

 

http://www.thought-management.com/look-to-this-day-my-favorite-poem/

 

This has always been my favourite poem, I have carried a copy in my purse to inspire me ever since I was young.  However, the version I have carried with me all these years is only a variation of the second verse.  I came across it when I was a teenager and perhaps didn't ever see it in its entirety.  I am glad that I recently did a Google search to find it again and found the missing verse.

 

In my search I also came across some controversy over where it actually originated from.  It is often quoted as a Sanskrit poem attributed to Kalidasa, an Indian Sanskrit playwright and poet of the 4th-5th Century AD whose work was based on Hindu philosophy.  However, the original poem has not been found and some believe it to be an English author.  Either way, it is a genuine reminder to live life well each day and remind us that if we do so, our memories will be of happiness and our future will be filled with visions of hope.  Truly inspirational words to live by,  I hope you can learn to enjoy this lovely poem too.