I'm a shooting star racing across the sky,
your sibling running away from you,
a firefly in the night sky;
You want to catch me.

I'm the childhood toy you love so dearly,
the loved one you always hug the tightest,
a precious diamond, ruby, or pearl;
you want to hold on to me.

I'm the ocean slipping through your hands,
smoke or fog that slides between your fingers,
sand falling from the tiniest crevice;
I cannot be captured.

You constantly run after me,
wanting to grip and stop me
while all the while I lead you further
Closer to the finish line.

I am no living thing
But I am alive.
Guess who I am.
I am time.