Captive

To reach out and hold Time.

Let the sun forever lie in the embrace of the low branches,

Impaled-

Like a hapless babe on an enemy spear.

To reach out and catch Time.

Let the moon stay half-shrouded behind the pale clouds

Erased

Like a shadow shattering against darkness.

To reach out and this once, bind Time.

Hang the bright stars over my bed,

Let them chime in the captured winds.

Freeze all waters to unmelting ice

And bottle all heat in a candle’s flame.

And then to perch on the table’s edge

And watch the sand trickle down the hour-glass.