I can measure time by days, weeks, and months,
I can measure it by hours and minutes,
Sunrises and full moons,
Seasons and years.
I can measure time by counting leaves on the ground,
Strata in rocks,
Movement of the sun by day,
Stars and galaxies at night.
I can measure time by counting dog years and the number of pets kept,
Trips to the ocean and holiday vacations.
I can measure time by recalling the first time I saw you,
Standing there by the door.
The first time we met, talked, and walked together.
Our first kiss.
I can measure time by looking back on all that we have accomplished together,
And all that we have achieved with each other’s support.
I can measure time by looking through our picture albums,
Or by observing our aging bodies.
All those memories, each one, a moment in time,
Become fresh when recalled, as if they have just happened.
Every time I think of any of them on our timeline,
I remember,
Time to live.