The Weight of a Second
A second is tiny, a flicker, a beat, Yet somehow it knocks the world off its feet. It’ s dripping coffee down your freshly washed shirt, That small spill that destroys the day’ s worth.
It carries a choice, a chance, a sigh, The moment you slip or the moment you fly. It’ s missing a train by the gap of a door, And hearing it leave as your heartbeat roars.
So brief it escapes any grasping hand, Yet strong enough still to redraw where you stand. A second can break you or help you begin, A breath where the balance moves out or in.
It’ s catching a smile you weren’ t meant to see, Or losing your keys as you hurry to be free. It’ s tucking yourself into bed at the last peak of light, A small second that goes into the night.
Annabelle Zhang
13