This sonnet started out a a simple phrase that Madison then took on a journey round the bend and back.
In the interest of Time, let us not even start
to do those things that don’t have Time’s interests at heart.
Time will not be ill-used, my dear, and what is more,
if you mistreat him, he will run straight out the door!
And then where would you be with no Time on your hands,
or at your feet helping to carry out your plans?
Imagine what would happen were Time to run out. . .
I dare say we would find ourselves right up a spout!
Why, there would be no Time for this thing or for that;
in no Time at all, life would become stale and flat.
At no Time would one’s great dreams come to fruition,
even if one had paid all of one’s tuition.
No, it’s best to let Time be, and I’ll play my part,
for dealing with Time is my rather special art.
Time to listen: https://aprillynnjames.com/track/4770888/in-the-interest-of-time-4-2026