Deux versions :I Have Held Time II have held time within my hands. Like a flower, the pattern of its natural growth Flowed down the foregone path toward death. Yet, how brightly wrought it was, if only for a moment!
I have held time within my heart. Like love, I felt it wither before it ever bloomed, For lack of warmth, for lack of a caress to spread Its seed; with care it might have opened in its time.
I have held time within my mind. I sought to comprehend its intricacy. The brightness of its facets blinded me, So how was I to perceive and claim “my” moment?
I have viewed time in a kaleidoscope. It was what I thought, a man-made bauble Transmogrified at will, stretched or shrunk, Flattened or engrossed, a plaything for historians.
I have dabbled and made time my own. Aware of what I did, I let it languish in its need. My cruelty rose like bile destroying taste buds, so I cupped it like a breast and watched it rise to greet me.
I bedded time and let imagination play with us. Such a dance we choreographed together, It and I and she, and when we tired of our games , I dampened light and passion and slept sated in its arms.
© Nyuka Anaïs Laurent 11/09/99
____________________________________
I Have Held Time II
I have caught time on the wing, And like a child innocent but amoral, I tore its gossamer wings to shreds Because I was curious to see how it worked.
I have held time prisoner, Not because it had wronged me, But because I knew myself its prisoner And thought to prove my power over it.
I have viewed time in a kaleidoscope. It was what I believed it was, a man-made bauble, That could be changed at will, stretched or shrunk, Flattened or engrossed. I made it mine and dabbled some.
I have held time’s bud in my hands. Delicate as a flower, its natural growth Constrained it to its foregone destiny: death. Yet, how brightly wrought it was, if only temporarily!
I have held time in my mind. In awe, I sought to comprehend its complexity, Layer upon layer of fine craftsmanship blinded me In its light facets. Pray, how was I to perceive my moment?
I have held time in my heart. I felt it shrivel like love before it had matured, For lack of warmth, for lack of breath to spread Its seed. With care it might have ripened in its time.
I have made time my creature. Aware of what I did, I let it languish for need of me. My cruelty rose like bile, destroying taste buds, so I cupped it like a breast and watched it rise to greet me.
I took time to bed and imagination played with us. Such a dance we choreographed together, It and I and she, and when we tired of the spotlight, I dampened light and passion and slept safely in its arms.
© Nyuka Anaïs Laurent 11/09/99
|