NOW --- A POEM

 

          NOW --- A POEM

            “Now” is an inspirational poem written by the English poet Adelaide Anne Procter (1825-1864).  She was born in London and was known as a social activist and philanthropist.  

             Her literary career began early just at the age of 20. Her father Bryan Waller Procter was also a poet besides being a lawyer.  Her mother, too, was a literary figure.

            Adelaide published her poetry under the pseudonym “Mary Berwick in the periodicals of the English writer Charles Dickens(1812-1870).

            She was the most popular poet of the day. Even Queen Victoria was her fan.

            Adelaide fought for women’s rights including those of education, employment and property. She even supported Catholic widows and orphans.      

            Her poems reflect her religious beliefs and concern for the poor and marginalized.

            “Now” is one of her most famous poems. Its theme is the importance of the time on hand. She wants everybody to do her job “Now” and shun  brooding over the past events and future dreams. Only the current moment is real and reliable. The time that has gone and the time that is to come should not be allowed to affect the activities of the present moment.

            Given below is the full text of the poem.

    Rise ! for the day is passing,
And you lie dreaming on;
The others have buckled their armor,
And forth to the fight are gone:
A place in the ranks awaits you,
Each man has some part to play;
The Past and Future are nothing,
In the face of the stern To-day.

Rise from your dreams of the Future,
Of gaining some hard-fought field;
Of storming some airy fortress,
Or bidding some giant yield;
Your Future has deeds of glory,
Of honor (God giant it may!)
But your arm will never be stronger,
Or the need so great as To-day.

Rise! if the Past detains you,
Her sunshine and storms forget;
No chains so unworthy to hold you
As those of a vain regret:
Sad or bright, she is lifeless ever;
Cast her phantom arms away,
Nor look back, save to learn the lesson
Of a nobler strife To-day.

Rise! for the day is passing;
The sound that you scarcely hear
Is the enemy marching to battle: —
Arise! for the foe is here!
Stay not to sharpen your weapons,
Or the hour will strike at last,
When from dreams of a coming battle,
You may wake to find it past!

                                                **********

G.R.Kanwal

21^st May 2025