Mirroring the Time

by Thomas Beckwith

Image credit: Jon Tyson on Unsplash

Clock in to lock in rings loudly,

availability provides opportunity and possibility.

Availability is your best ability,

only when you have mental capacity.

Loss in life shines the light on your vulnerability.

Clock in to lock in to shake

the guilt you are inebriated with from the past—

Although watching your mother cling

to life support for seven days is an image

that cannot be erased or ever go away.

Clock in to lock in because you do not

know if you will ever be vindicated.

You blame yourself for your mother’s death.

Even though you couldn’t possibly cause an aneurysm.

She must have been heartbroken when you went to attend college in the mountains.

Clock in to lock in so that complacency

doesn’t become a dangerous enemy because people are

praying for your downfall. You must submit your emotions

even when you’re tired of crying, yelling, and pretending.

Loss in life shines the light on your vulnerability.

Clock in to lock in even when you’re feeling lost, empty, and worthless.

The time is ticking whether you’re dreaming or wanting to let go.

Clock in to lock in because the grieving never stops.

***

Thomas Beckwith

Thomas Beckwith is an Assistant Director for the University of Florida’s Office of Academic Support, where he provides support to students including academic coaching, leadership development, and holistic success planning. He also enjoys writing in his authentic voice, finding it to be a therapeutic way to process experiences and overcome past trauma.