Time's Song

 

The formal clock with tick-and tock still takes one by surprise

The old-time sun with mapped rerun still stuns the poet’s sighs

The ancient rays of time’s todays teaches old ways anew

Where none can keep the wonder-weep from yonder deep’s adieu

Darling, the farthing of an hour gathers in its wake

The greeting and the parting of love’s longing give and take

The heart cradles an art collection; who but us can see

The tincture of the pictures we hang in its gallery?

Adept denominator, operator smooth and sleek

Oh, cardinal of mortals, monumental moment-sweep

You kiss the brow of Here and Now with sorrow-joy’s freefall

And fill the rill of Past’s foothill with echoed madrigal

Time’s stumble-grumble-fumble keeps us humble as we go

But by God’s grace, this human race drinks mercy’s overflow

For none can hold the moment-gold of tick and tock for long

Save in the brave renewal and perusal of Time’s song

© Janet Martin