I brushed through my wardrobe for a wear
I breezed through the washroom to summon my best looks
All the while pleading with the dripping sand for time…
Across familiar streets, I rushed
Jumping stones, limping over gutters, and swerving rootstocks…
Familiar faces I carefully dodged
To evade the taxes of propriety and pleasantries
On the remnants of my borrowed time
When I got thy late call
To meet thee
How much time can thou spare me
Should I make it in time or late?
Seeing that I hate rushing through meetings
And you are in desperation to inconsiderably leave should I tarry
That I should leave my work unfinished
And with a pounding heart and gasping breath
Press desperately forward for our rendezvous?
Yet in faith I come, battling through my doubting thoughts
Hoping that Providence may smile upon me
To meet thee
Implacably did I pray
That the seats of the bus be instantly filled
That the traffic lights stay eternally green
And the roads remain empty and clear
From confused vehicles or problem-engulfed lone figures
Who recklessly cross our roads with impunity
Forcing unsuspecting tyres to a screeching halt
And well-rehearsed maledictions from the uncouth lips
Of drivers and passengers, alike scared to death
As I importuned my cause before Omnipotence
To meet thee
At our rendezvous, I silently stride
Casting my eyes to behold silhouettes
Chatting the time away in peaceful joy
Oh that I had met thee!
But impartial time has judged against me
Regardless of perseverance and effort
Thou has left before me
All my struggles, prayers, and well-prepared speeches for naught?
Alas! What an expensive defeat desperately earned
As I raced…,
to meet thee
