Against The Clock

I wrote this poem last year after chatting to a lady rushing about. I said, you’re always rushing whenever I see you. Her reply, I know, I’m always up against the clock.

Just made me think. I hope you like it. We need to make time to slow down and enjoy the moment.  Now more than ever, and not take a second for granted.

Against The Clock

I recall as a child being dragged along
Feet skipping a beat as we went
Hurry up child if you‘d got dressed quicker
Our time could have been better spent

The school day began as the clock struck 9
So we all formed an orderly queue
Hurry up children, please settle down
There really is so much to do

The school years passed, oh so fast
But I learned so much on the way
Exam time came, with so much to gain
So I’d swat every hour of the day

I’m an adult now, I must earn my keep
Working hard in my 9 to 5 job
My eyes on promotion, keep pushing ahead
There really is no time to slob

Now I’m the mum, on the school run
So much to fit in each day
With work, children, hubby and a house to keep
The minutes are rushing away

The years trickled by, as I start to cry
My babies are fleeing the nest
If only I’d realised and lived in the moment
For these years were truly the best

I’ve cut down my hours, working much less
Making time for my hobbies instead
Tending to my garden like never before
As the memories all run through my head

Now I’m retired, with no need to rush
Each day can feel like forever
But look at the memories I can enjoy
Of the hours that we all spent together

© Maxine Bailey
May 2021