Transience of life

“Like vanishing dew,
a passing apparition
or the sudden flash
of lightning — already gone —
thus should one regard one’s self.”
― Ikkyu

Cherry blossoms also symbolize the transience of life because of their beauty and quick death.

When I was young I thought

I was immortal, invincible,

My life with thrills was fraught

I was pretty indestructible..

As the sands of time shifted

The notion of transience raised its head

The veil of my ignorance slowly lifted

My prior convictions I had to shed

When the course of my life was altered

By fate, through manmade or natural disaster

Taken aback, I stumbled and faltered

Of my life, I no longer felt like the master

Learnt how fickle life could be

Snatched away in the blink of an eye

I realized my predestined mortality

And became aware, albeit with a sigh

Happiness was a transitory phase

Meant to enjoy while it did last

The years would pass in a blurry haze

Death might approach a little too fast.

I learnt to live in the moment present

Feel and savor everything it had

Since nothing in life is permanent

Living in the moment makes me glad.