Love Letter from a Father

For today's prompt, write a persona poem. A persona poem is just a poem narrated in the voice of a persona who is not yourself. Because I grant no guaranteesI tick and tock, I fly and chime... Dear You, proprietor of dreamsAnd plans, that I alone estrangeWhere, no matter the age, it seemsHuman Nature will never change Dear You, I'd like to, if I mayBefore I take you by surprise And what now seems secure, falls preyTo resting places I disguise I'd like to remind you to pauseAnd ponder well, all I have lentMaking the most of Now, becauseYou never know when I am spent Futile to want what Bygone sealsOr wish for what may never beBetter the hour that still pealsWith fleeting opportunity Some think that I am on their sideAnd live as if I thought so tooBut I am the taut, tender tide That tugs and tolls with dust and dew No respecter of persons, IAm but a servant too, you seeMorning, noon, night is my replyTo a Higher Authority Before it is to late to giveWhat I cannot, when 'we' have passedI want to remind you to liveAs if each day could be your last Because I grant no guaranteesI tick and tock, I fly and chimeMy legacy, your memories,Yours duly, truly, Father Time © Janet Martin