the paradox

I don’t believe
in measured ticking.
there is an inherent weakness
in the thought
that the length of a minute
must equal
every other minute.

too many moments
are spent
waiting for an ending—
while the minute hand
hand drags its way
around the face
and the teacher drones on
or the meeting lingers
or lunch creeps further
and further away—
turning each instant
into eternity.

and other moments
whisper away
in the blink of an eye,
never pausing in their rush
onward.

I spent an eternity once,
for five days
in a NICU waiting room.
and there’s the paradox:
while it lasted forever,
it passed too quickly
and in a flash,
my nephew died.

line count: 32

Prompt for: Jan 13, 2016 ▼

Subject or Theme: time
Words (s) to Include: inherent, paradox, minute (or any derivatives of these words)
Forbidden Word(s): clock, time, hours, second, waste (or any derivatives, compound or hyphenations of these words)
Additional Parameters: Must be able to clearly tell the picture prompt figures into the poem. At least 24 lines-
Remember, do not use forbidden words ANYWHERE, including title or the brief description.