The Missed Moment



Timing is so very, very, important

There are moments when we oughtn't

Miss the bell, but - indeed, it happens

Things which could've been trapped in



Sequence ... then do fall out of place

And life goes on with tangents to space

Perpendiculars then find no parallels

As things which could've been magic spells



Now run aground on rocky paths to nowhere

As the music which could've abounded is spare

And the charm of what could have been - lingers

As we count endlessly - missed time - on fingers



Which are poised over the implements of our trade

Keyboards, typewriters, printers - all - now in shade

As answering machine taped messages are played back

And it becomes apparent we missed it by seconds black



Because the needs of a dog are dealt with twice per day

At all other times - my greater presence is here to stay

And yet it always seems as though everybody does call

During the two half-hour periods when I give my pet my all



Christopher W. Thomas

4:45pm Tues 11/4/97