Listen

Turning the page
I’ll just read to the end of the chapter
Then I’ll stop
It’s not a lot
Maybe three or four
Paragraphs
No less, no more
Narrative pauses

for no one
Emotions cast like light
Across a turbulent sea
Dancing, holding
Chasing me

Into the next chapter and beyond
No stitch in time
No conscious refrain
My eyes flicker with
The narrative again

Am I caught
Or captivated
Neither seem to mind
Me running breathless
Through my story
Till the morning

Dawn chorus
Shrill
With redress
Says
Why did you wait

to pause

Your life is precious
The time is yours