Hope for the past, yes, old Frost, your words provide that courage and it brings strange peace that itself passes into past, easier to bear because you said it, rather casually, as snow went on falling in Vermont years ago. One of Buddhism's central messages is to live in the moment, to be here now. We find the same idea in Western religions. And yet, if we live with no future orientation, we can make no progress. On the other hand, without expectation and hope, without aspiration, there can be no progress.
Some hope is essential.
So finding the proper balance is not easy. One needs to judge each situation on the spot. I like to take the approach of the Buddist prayer, which begins with one's self and moves outward into the world. For myself, I hope mostly for my life to continue. Now, if only I can heed that advice about slowing down a bit, truly enjoying the present moment, as opposed to always rushing, trying to cram too many things into a day.