The antique mechanism
of the old clock had stopped.
The winding should have been
enough -- and yet, though the
pendulum swung back in forth
in perfect rhythm, no comforting
clicks emanated, as was usual,
the reassuring pulse of a consistent
heartbeat, regulator of a healthy
household.
The big hand had paused, 2 minutes
of. I thought, was this an angel, come
to my aid, or a devil, seething more
terror, personifying the foul deed
about to fully unfold? She would be
here, at nine. No doubt, her obsession
with punctuality. 2 minutes till, the
fiend had bound me to a chair. Assembled
the deadly charge, painstakingly attached to the
clock. Gagged as well I had no way of warning her.
2 minutes till...no, 1:58, 1:57, the clock's
now deadly hand had begun to again
advance. I heard her key in the door.
One minute to detonation. The door squeaked
on neglected hinges. "Cut! All right, 10 minute
break" the directed informed us, after shooting
for 4 hours non-stop.
They taught us to dissect frogs,
but not the feeling of being dissected.
We memorized the bones of empires,
but no one named the fracture in our own spines.
We wake up with hearts in our throats,
trap ourselves in flickering cages,
Pout like mannequins in group shots.
We google "how to disappear"
between lectures on resilience.
We draft essays on survival ,
while planning exits.
We smile at teachers who praise
our punctuality while we
count pills under the desk.
The counselor called us in one by one,
handed us pamphlets
with smiling cartoon brains.
Just ticked boxes
and sent us back to class
with a sticker that said “brave.”
which curled by noon.
When the windows whispered
and the knives called us by name,
they called it depression.
It wasn't.
It was syllabus.
We were just doing the homework.
I am an hour early and I stopped for gas
I laugh at my ridiculous punctuality
This gives me time to sign her birthday card and put up a swingset
The mall is dead this morning; is it not open yet?
I do not think people shop in person any more
This might be proof
There are six cars here, by the handicapped parking spaces
In the eighties I could sit here and watch people go in and out
No one is going in and it is ten o’clock, the mall is officially open.
I pick up my pen and wait
No one
Still no one
No one no one and no one
Does everybody shop by mail now?
This is the Wednesday before Good Friday.
Where are the frantic shoppers?
I pick up my pen. My muse will think of something to do. She always does.
I would rather be three days early than three minutes late
Priding myself on my punctuality which I use on every date
If you say let’s meet at 11:30 I will be there at a quarter to ten
I was only late once; resolving, never again.
The cordiality of punctuality
bespeaks hidden venality
spooks watchful eyes
over dour mustachioed disguise
gosh, look at the time!
he's gotta go
immediately!
wherever he's headed
punctuality is a must,
he can't just go yet...
his mind
in utter disarray,
repeatedly screaming...
"where's my damn keys?!"
as he goes on a tear
for his misplaced keys,
he implores time to slow
to a c r a w l
but she gives him the kiss off.
she's laced up her running shoes
as he searches
frantically;
his inner voice...
wailing like a banshee,
ocean of tumult violently churns
in the pit of his gut.
a mouse scurrying
room to room
wreaking royal havoc;
clothes flying here and there,
the couch flipped upside down.
his impatience
giving way to panic.
meanwhile,
time's already on the run...
daring him...
" catch me, if you can!"
yet the borrowing gopher
paces around the house,
driving himself crazy, then...
he swings his front door open;
sad eureka!
there it is...
on the other side of the door
his keys dangle
in the keyhole.
time now mocking him...
he's late as can be.
On many a workday morning,
I sit at my kitchen table and
watch the BIRDS lite on electric
lines, or listen to their sweet
chirps from the treetops.
I watch the SUN rising over the
horizon, and in early Fall, I observe
the green FIELDS of harvest slowly
yielding their bounty. Left behind after
a few weeks of sweat and toil is a sea
of brown SOIL prepping for the Spring.
I will often feel the earth rumbling
beneath my feet from a passing TRAIN
rushing her huge and heavy cargo
to markets both North and South.
It won't be long before I'll witness
with joy the MIGRATING BIRDS flying
South to survive the cold of Old Man Winter.
In my own mind, I am overwhelmed by the sheer
commonality of all the above. Indeed, they are all
so very faithful in executing their God-given task.
Moreover, presently, I am most impressed and find
myself musing over the faithfulness of a person behind
the wheels of a big yellow bus with bright and flashing
lights. She's a SCHOOL BUS DRIVER who with great
dedication, passes my home every school-day morning
at 7 AM. I tell you; her punctuality inspires me.
And her employer should be proud of her.
"Teacher Tanaz"
I am teacher Tanaz
Wish to be your Topaz
I am frolic
But my activities are catalytic.
Chemist by selection
Laughter in your end reaction .
I act carefree
Wishing you all to be stress-free.
Working in unison
Dipping smilie in your solution.
Titration, Filteration, adsorption , absorption
Words that help me to draw your attention.
My chemistry is full of colours
With all tastes and flavours.
Call me when u are gloomy.
I am always there to make you happy
Teacher Aarti'
You stand for honesty.
Mind full of purity.
Famous for your punctuality.
Worthy is your loyalty.
Worth mentioning is your sensitivity.
Worth noting is your diligency..
As you retire, who will overcome this deficiency?
With regards
Ketaki
We’re playing the long game.
We share things, we’re lovers,
we slip in and out of each other’s lives
like jackets hanging on the back of a door.
Relationships are like instruments,
they must be played, kept in tune,
the carnal and the corny balanced,
carefully, like sections of an orchestra.
Sometimes, I feel that I have to bring the energy,
BE the entertainment - and I can do that - in spades
but not forever - I’m not a tireless-giver - in fact,
I'm atavistically Parisien (we admit loving nothing).
I’m learning that when a relationship’s conducted,
at great remove, the basics - like punctuality,
dependability and preparation - become a big deal.
When I’m in an optimistic headspace, I think we can do it,
maybe, that we know what we want and who we are.
That we’re playing the long game
Be not late which may lead to defeat
Be in time to meet the arising occasion
At the right time if you take your seat
You will be admired in your profession
All your duties, if you punctually complete
You will get congratulation and promotion
That one who is always in life damn late
Will get only loss arranged by the fate
I bet that such losses open Hell's gate
Prepare with true care well in advance
Take all the needed steps one by one
Soon respond and miss not a chance
Only speedy actions have finally won
Your talent, punctuality will enhance
Be dutiful and helpful like the holy Sun.
Always adhere to punctuality
In a way try to be early
Punctuality is a sterling quality
Practice it regularly daily
It will have an unbelievable utility
You will be admired particularly
Reach a place well in advance
Teach the World at every chance
Your image, all such acts enhance
This will give you a great name
All will call you Mister Right
Your noble act none can blame
There will be no room for fight
Surely will shoot up your fame
As you show to the World ligh
TO MY MENTOR
She is like a radiating gleam,
Which she carries in her name!
A Parent reminder ;
With a beautiful soul.
Being the smile installer :
Hours you spend,
With each lesson
You teach.
Efforts you make;
For the knowledge
You pass on.
Each goal; You
Help us reach.
Being our daily first aider!
Our future brightens.
Days pass by
Years pass by,
Hard to believe!!!
The classes spent together;
Will be cherished.
Moments that we share,
Learning her patience,
Making us enthusiastic
Showing us punctuality
Cheering from every corner.
Wanting her trait :
From start till end.
Brings up fun in learning,
Her love for green
Never fades.
I have more to say! As she can
amaze us always.
Here's to our teacher,
Who's a gem;
An inspiring mentor.
Remembered & Recalled.
At all times.
With Gratitude utmost.
Relish this life and be happy,
Wish to lead this life finely,
Ways to be happy are many,
Always trust in God wisely
Delay never in doing duty,
Obey all the rules gladly
Fearing mustn't be done,
Being very bold is better
Punctuality is a fine step,
Duty must have fine quality
Calm approach is advisable
Form that by being sensible
Anger must be avoided,
Stronger are calm souls
Cheer must be fully had,
Appear to be damn bold
Discover the positive side,
Sever shrewdly pessimism
Do every task with perfection
New ways to do must be found
Kind moves must be made,
Find a remedy with wisdom
Favors time a bold man,
Wavers a fool uncertainly
Go ahead and win the deal
Show your talent in full flow
All the best for success
Call God during stress!
Never expect any favor from anybody
To follow Justice, you be always ready
Do the task that is to you allotted
Do the same by being to it devoted
Perform the task without any mistake
Shrewdly a step you must ever take
Do the best for the salary earned
Duty must be thoroughly learned
Getting expertise alone is a must
Only then, you, all will start to trust
Analyze every task very minutely
And follow discipline resolutely
By following perfectly punctuality
Give to your work superb quality
Day by day, bring improvements
Yield never to foolish sentiments
If the duty is finely discharged
Your reputation gets enlarged
When you offer to all assistance
They will expect your alliance
Upon you, everyone will rely
And forge with you a strong tie
When your good nature spreads
To promote you, think all the heads
In due course you reach the top
There will be no block to stop
When you face your retirement
Past will reflect only enjoyment
Peace and satisfaction will emerge
Toward you God's blessings surge!
I write poetry,
Simple poetry,
As simple as can be,
My grammar isn't hot,
Or my punctuality.
Sometimes I find it confusing,
When my pen flows easily,
It takes on a life of its own,
Taking control of me.
It has a sense of purpose,
As it scribbles away,
The content and message
Become as plain as day
I am unaware of holding the pen,
There isn't time to work it out
As off it goes again,
Effortlessly cavorting
All over the page,
Informative, reporting
Things humourous and sage
As I read the effort
My trusty quill has done
I salute this ink-filled implement
For it's the clever one!
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