Live Better

Live better. Head out to the open sea,
Look at the stars, climb up the mizzen-mast
So you'll look backwards, too, both at the past
And at the heart of things. Speak carefully.
Look forward if you must, but stop with me
And take a moment now. These moments last
If you don't lose heart. Hold the present fast:
Engage with good friends, climb a maple tree.

Choose sweetness over doubt, let white snowflakes
Fall on your tongue, argue about the stars,
Climb sunlit fences, plan your trip to Mars,
Improve the world. Avoid the worst mistakes:
Dismissing love, setting aside cream cakes,
Leaving the jams in their unopened jars.