Footprints on the sands of time...

Since moving to the beach, since having my life turned upside down... shaking me from my nest and comfort zone, I have rediscovered the joys of beach-walking. Something I did often in my early teens and on holidays and outings as a child. The soothing sounds of the waves and soft 'scrunch' of sand underfoot both relax and inspire me. Nothing is ever the same 2 days in a row along the shoreline and you never know what you may discover or experience.
Thought I'd begin this new idea of Blogging with a treasured "find" inspired by my Anzac Day sunrise beach walk. The idea of living life in a way to make a difference and  leave a positive impression on others was the motivation for the background photograph. On returning home, I googled the phrase "sands of time" which was bouncing around in my head, and found this poem! LOVE IT!

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882)

A PSALM OF LIFE

WHAT THE HEART OF THE YOUNG MAN

SAID TO THE PSALMIST

TELL me not, in mournful numbers,

Life is but an empty dream ! —

For the soul is dead that slumbers,

And things are not what they seem.

Life is real ! Life is earnest!

And the grave is not its goal ;

Dust thou art, to dust returnest,

Was not spoken of the soul.

Not enjoyment, and not sorrow,

Is our destined end or way ;

But to act, that each to-morrow

Find us farther than to-day.

Art is long, and Time is fleeting,

And our hearts, though stout and brave,

Still, like muffled drums, are beating

Funeral marches to the grave.

In the world's broad field of battle,

In the bivouac of Life,

Be not like dumb, driven cattle !

Be a hero in the strife !

Trust no Future, howe'er pleasant !

Let the dead Past bury its dead

Act,— act in the living Present !

Heart within, and God o'erhead !

Lives of great men all remind us

We can make our lives sublime,

And, departing, leave behind us

Footprints on the sands of time ;

Footprints, that perhaps another,

Sailing o'er life's solemn main,

A forlorn and shipwrecked brother,

Seeing, shall take heart again.

Let us, then, be up and doing,

With a heart for any fate ;

Still achieving, still pursuing,

Learn to labor and to wait.