Instructions for Borrowing Time

To Save a Fleeting Moment:

Reach quick with hands of spider's silk,

The kind that tremble, soft as milk.

Don't clutch too tight—just cup the glow,

Or else the light will dim and go.

____________________________

To Mend a Heart That's Cracked in Two:

Use thread spun from a childhood song,

And needle sharp with "right" not "wrong."

Leave one small chip—it's good to know

Where all your strongest loves will grow.

____________________________

To Stretch an Hour Thin and Sweet:

Fold minutes like a paper crane,

Then tuck them in a windowpane.

They'll multiply in morning light,

Like dewdrops doubling overnight.

____________________________

To Say Goodbye But Keep It Near:

Bottle laughter's final note,

Kiss the jar and let it float.

When loneliness comes creeping in,

Just shake it gently—grin to grin.

____________________________

To Plant Lost Things So They Remain:

Take seeds of "almost" and "might be,"

Bury them where you can't quite see.

They'll sprout in dreams you can't ignore—

Rooted deep but always blooming more.

____________________________

Final Rule (Don't Skip This Page):

Time lends itself but takes its toll—

You'll pay in youth or weathered soul.

So spend each second fierce and fine...

The best ones borrowed are yours and mine.