
Now and then
There is no free will within a clock.
It cannot choose to tick when it should tock.
And being merely made of cogs and wheels
it hos no way to sense or think or feel,
but measures out our three score years and ten
with even handed unthinking acumen.
But those of us with conscious minds -
could we perhaps defeat the flow of time?
How wonderful to return to years gone by
and choose some other better paths to try.
It makes me wonder had I kissed you when,
so long ago, we had left the pub and then….
would you have kissed me back and held my hand
even though I thought you’d never really understand -
and would you have then come home with me
and would I not now then be writing poetry?
Previous version:
There is no free will within a clock.
It cannot choose to tick when it must tock.
Being merely made cogs and wheels
it hos no way to sense or think or feel.
But for those of us who with conscious minds -
should we be able to turn the flow of time?
How wonderful to return to times gone by
and choose some other better paths to try
What would have happened had I kissed you when
in youth so long ago, we had left the pub and then
would you have kissed me back and held my hand
or would you simply just not understand
Would you have then come home with me
and would I not now then be writing poetry?
Notes:
OUP Workshop Jul 2024, OUP Zoom Sept 2024