There is a feature of The Future
Which sets it quite apart.
It's a question of beginnings,
Where does The Future start?

Is it out there somewhere?
Or just a principle of science?
Can we seek to understand it
With any definite reliance?

Take Algebra for instance
That ultimate confuser.
I was assured I'd love it
When I'd mastered how to use her.

So for years I've been a-quiver,
Full of fervent expectation
Of being rushed up to at bus stops
To explain some tough equation.

Or my Aunt who hoards her rubbish
Against the coming time
When to dump her Christmas cake tin
Will become a heinous crime.

Tomorrow and tomorrow
What change is taking place?
Confusion rules. We are unsure
Which way we ought to face.

Is the Past an older Future?
Is the Present really Now?
Is Time a Godly con trick?
When will He take his bow?

The reason for a Future?
It helps to keep us sane,
For if Now is all we're getting
We could never stand the pain.