countdown by RC deWinter
time is a heavy necklace
strung with the impatience of longing
unmitigated by the lessening of days
the closer my heart’s desire the more
frustration builds
impatience is a harsh mistress
an implacable harridan with a twisted smile
mocking accomplishment
mocking sleep
caressing my chest with fingernails
sharpened to vees
even as the clock unstrings the stones
the weight of those remaining increases
never have
the only jewel

____________________________________________________________

RC deWinter’s poetry is anthologized in New York City Haiku (NY Times, 2017), Uno: A Poetry Anthology (Verian Thomas, 2002), in print in 2River View, Meat For Tea: The Valley Review, From Whispers to Roars, borrowed solace, Pink Panther, Another Sun,Down in the Dirt and featured in numerous online journals.

