SAVOUR THE WORLD

SAVOUR THE WORLD

Savour the world
because you only found this island by accident 
in the middle of an empty ocean
and you can only stay here for a while
wandering these lush forests 
eating these exotic fruits
washing and wading through these fresh, cool streams -
until your ship sets sail again.
Savour the world
because you’re only a guest, passing through this town
stopping off to visit some relatives on your way back home
not long enough to put down any roots
nodding at passers-by - the locals, you presume.
But look more closely - everyone is a traveller here.
Savour the world
because life is passing away, like a fast-flowing river
and there’s nothing to hold on to
no branches overhead to grasp
no bushes by the side to catch
there’s nothing to do but swim with the flow
and lose yourself 
in the roar and the rhythm and the rush.
Savour the world
because you’ve won the greatest prize 
the freedom of the city
the keys to the kingdom
a life-long cruise through time and space
the honour of experience
the accolade of existence.
And one day you’ll have to give it back.
And when that day comes, you won’t feel any bitterness
only gratitude for the privilege of being 
as long you’ve lived in celebration
as long you’ve lived in appreciation
as long as you have savoured the world.

-by Steve Taylor, from "The Calm Center"