Buddy Wakefield is an American spoken-word artist and poet who’s been featured by NPR and the BBC for his talents. In 2001, he left his job as an executive assistant to perform in poetry venues throughout the United States for two years while mostly living out of his car. In addition to being a three-time winner of the Individual World Poetry Slam Finals, Wakefield has also dabbled in acting. His poetry often draws on moments shared with the people around him, from dysfunctional families to a roadside diner waitress. These words from his poem “Pretend” remind us to focus on being present as much as possible. After all, we never know what wisdom or joy we may gain by paying attention.

Emily Dickinson frequently explored themes of mortality, love, and the fleeting tenderness of life in her poetry. In this line from her short poem “That it will never come again,” she points out the beauty of impermanence: Life feels precious because it doesn’t last. That idea encourages us to better appreciate the small, seemingly ordinary details of daily life. 

By acknowledging that time slips away no matter what we do, Dickinson gently pushes us toward mindfulness and gratitude, urging us to live on purpose and soak in the present moment. Her insight reminds us life’s sweetness is inextricably tied to its temporary nature — and that simply noticing what’s in front of us can make the ordinary feel meaningful.