Time and its Jovial Deceptions

Blind Milton knew

about Time - knew the deceit

and deceptions

 

Time plays, as it

meanders in

the background

 

watching over us

as we scurry for our lives

in Time’s cage.

 

And so too did

my great Aunt Jean

know about Time’s ways;

 

she pinched my cheek

with her thin mottled fingers

assured me I had

 

‘all the time in the world.’

But which world

did she speak of ?

 

Not this world, I’m certain.

You sorceress, Aunt Jean!

What other secrets did you know ?

 

I scampered here and there

ignoring the beat

of Time’s jovial drum

 

waiting, always waiting

for what ? I didn’t like to say.

Time you trickster,

 

with your end-of-pier magic

your patter and illusions

your shadowy assistant

 

clad in black.

I have slipped the lock

of my cage,

 

buried your many faces.

Now, like Blind Milton,

I’ll let Time eat its fill

 

and wait patiently

for my new time – my real

time - to come.