pacing

time has become a thing
slinking beside us

we look at it
out of the corners of
our eyes

watch it

shrink
grow larger
sprint ahead
ooze behind

it sets
its own pace

we know this
and move
accordingly

yet still watch
it closely,
wondering whether we might
urge it along
according to our hearts

but those, too,
move with
their own rhythms
request that we keep step

and we do,
carefully,

with much care,
we find our stride

without hurry
without hesitation