Dreamt I was in a candy store
And way up on a shelf
Was a series of jars unlike the others
With a sign saying “help yourself”

One jar was labelled “love”
Beside it one labelled “hate”
One said “ignorance”
Another one said “fate”

There was “greed” and “lust”
…. “Kindness” and “envy”
I noticed all but one had plenty
The jar labelled “time” was empty

I thought how life offers different flavors
Like candy in a jar
Sweet and sour, hard and soft
Determining who we are
Yet the one flavor we assume will always be there
Was kept in an empty jar

See anything you like?
I heard a soft and older voice
Let me know if I can help
You really have quite a choice

Take whatever you want
I’ve plenty more of each
The sweeter ones are on top
They’re a little hard to reach
…. So just ask if you need my help

Funny how life offers different flavors
Like candy in a jar
Sweet and sour, hard and soft
Determining who we are
Yet the one flavor we assume will always be there
Is kept in an empty jar

I finally asked about the one labelled “time”
Do you have any more?
He just smiled and said “no my friend”
Is that what you came here for?

I stopped stocking that flavor long ago
Most only developed a taste
After they’ve tried all the others
It’s the one most seem to waste
………………..
He leaned over and whispered in my ear
Quietly, so only I could hear….

I offer it on occasion
It’s asked for the most by far
But rarely valued until it’s gone
That’s why I leave the empty jar

…. Most appreciate time a little more
Once they notice the empty jar