The Measure of Time

We ask for long life, but ‘tis deep life, or grand moments, that signify. Let the measure of time be spiritual, not mechanical. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Signify. What meaning would
the word have had for Emerson?
As an intransitive verb
it means “to be of importance.”
He says the depth of life,
the highlights count most,
that it’s the quality of living
that has greater weight.
Mere passage of boring moments
don’t signify. Living grand moments
are important. Today counts,
yesterday is past, tomorrow is not real,
the present is a present to relish!
Spiritual moments, not the ticks of the clock!