by the clock

later and later by the clock

sunrise brightens and warms

the horizon

tied as we are to the clock

it is difficult to remember

that it is we who are turning

and orbiting the sun

yellow dance of awareness

watching a yellow leaf detach

dance, swirl, drift and pirouette

celebrating autumn and reminding

me of the passage of time

mindful of the finiteness of life

its dreams, deeds done and not done

of shoulds and failures, of judgement

and self-castigation, of pride – foolish, or earned and quietly smiled upon

good feeling or ache of disappointment

as i measure myself against

what i hoped and what i’ve done

to discover who i am

to learn acceptance of others

and, finally, forgiveness of self

respect and reflect

quiet, please

time to think before answering

a moment to hear and take in

what is actually being said

to be able to respond

rather than react

listening is so difficult

without moments to reflect

and respect

expand

 snow gently falling in sapphire night

our world chilled to slowing

time for inhalation, catching of breath

a quiet explosion of wonder

that commands our attention

away from busy-ness to reality

of what-we-call time

as a local phenomenon

personal, now stretched out

to accommodate our need to be in awe

of what is so much more than

tasks or profit or accomplishment

but time to be present in vastness

time expanded to behold the universe