Footprints on the Sands of Time

The expression, "Footprints on the Sands of Time," appears in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's celebrated poem, "A Psalm of Life". It represents an imaginative conjunction of life and death. Though we are mortal, we can leave footprints for succeeding generations. Thus, there is life in death. These footprints symbolize continuity and hope, as well as generosity and guidance. While we live, we know that we are running out of the grains of sand which have been allotted to us. This realization that our time is limited should provide us with a strong incentive to do something to give our life meaning and make a contribution to those who follow.