Tests of Time

In conjunction with Time's Arrow, there are those "Tests of Time" given us at interesting moments in our temporal pilgrimage both to measure our progression, and to provide the Work that time affords us. Mary Oliver speaks eloquently and directly to the "tests" we undergo.

I topped the car and ran back and across the road
and picked up the box turtle, who only
hissed and withdrew herself into her pretty shell.
Well, goodness, it was early in the morning, not too much traffic.
Rather an adventure than a risk, and anyway
who wouldn't complete the journey for it, taking it of course
in the direction of its desire: a pinewoods
where, as I learned, the blueberries ripen early.
Probably she had though, in the middle of the night--Ah, its time.
Sometimes I think our lives are watched over like that.
Out of the mystery of the hours and the days
something says--Let's give this one a little trial.
Let's say, put a turtle in the road she's traveling on, and in a hurry.
Let's see how her life is measuring up, that lucky girl.
So much happiness, so much good fortune. Ah, it's time.

--from New and Selected Poems, Volume Two, "The Measure," 23