* “Past” is what once was —
A remnant that’s called memory …
* In it lie the “causes”—
Of what now is.
* “Future” is what will be —
Envisioned, seldom seen …
* In it lie “results”—
Of what now is.
* “Present” is that narrowness–
Passing, always flickering …
* Proof of the “joke” —
Of “what now is.”
– David Brin (Startide Rising, 1983)