Leonard Norman Cohen (Montreal, 21 September 1934 – Los Angeles, 7 November 2016) was a Canadian songwriter, poet, writer and composer. Leonard Cohen is considered one of the most famous, influential and appreciated poet and songwriter; in his works Leonard Cohen explores themes such as religion, isolation, depression and sexuality, often turning to the individual.

In this poem, as well as the song he created from the poem “Waiting for the Miracle“, Leonard Cohen tells the story of a man realizing that he has waited “half his life away” for some unattainable ideal, the perfect love. Finally coming to terms with the time lost, he realizes how he has failed to pursue opportunities and live life to the fullest in the ‘NOW’.