Timepiece
I
keep better time than your faith suggests
But not by much, and not
because I'm yours.
I've marked your steps for years: they
slant
Behind your eyes and part with mine. I know
You've built
your end from valorous dissent;
Each deed you add will make a sum
of fate
Not foreseen, but fashioned from your fire.
This force
affords a hope above all tears, one
Taller than the darkest veil:
your heart.
The stop will come the day you drink the curse
For
him. You've set my hand to you -- a false
Alarm of blood outspent.
The cause is sped
By all that you inspire. I understand it;
still...
(My God, why can't I take this in your stead?)