Poems (Kennedy)/Manana

by Sara Beaumont Kennedy

MANANA

NOT today: some other time,
 Some misty morn or golden noon,
    Or dusk-fall when the roses swoon.
Sometime hours must be reckoned chime on chime
    But not today—
              Manana.

Not today: let's drift awhile;
  Why hurry in life's fretful scheme?
  Let's dream as lotus-eaters dream.
Sometime we must press onward many a mile,
    But not today—
              Manana.

Not today: let's go to sleep
  And say: "The dawn's not breaking yet,
  The stars still shine," and so forget.
Sometime we must sad vigils keep,
    But not today—
              Manana.

Manana—that soft Mexic word,
  Dreamful and fraught with mystery,
  Has spelled full many a destiny.
Sometime hearts may be thrilled and stirred,
    But not today—
              Manana.