Wait for me, Time

I found my way back to this place, after a long trek through mountainous terrain, sometimes treacherous but mostly pleasantly tiring. Along the way, I met doubt, confronted pain, emerged triumphant and resumed my step, trying to catch up with lost time, drifting on a song:

Wait for me...

I’m breathless!

Don’t move so fast,

So reckless!

It’s a snaking spread

For me. For you?

just a darting spurt ahead.

I keep trying

t’ match your step

and just when

I think I’m dying

and barely up to speed,

with a teasing brush

of orchids

‘n’ spearmint

away you sprint

to another arduous lead.

I know you’re strong

don’t need to stop

at any curve or prong;

or even the coveted top;

what you have

I amply lack

the propensity of having

by virtue, vice or tact.

To travel light

like a mountain spring

or a string-less, hands-free kite

or a baby cloud

an empty shroud of

reflective, air-combs white
each one of these, a poet's muse
to the sky? -a wishful reverie
you never take
a walked-through path
yet beaten roads
are forced on me.

So, does that mean

that every walk

will be a test of strength?

I’ll keep calling, catching up

yet you will stay abreast?

Come now, my friend

call off this game

Go find a worthy opponent.

Henceforth, I give you not

any of you that’s mine;

you play with those

who have you none

and chase you so,

a-fleeting, O Good Time!