A First Responder Steps Aside
The hands on the atomic clock
upstairs finally stopped spinning.
As you know, my dear, the hands
have been spinning for two weeks.
This morning the clock stopped
the way it has so many times
over the years so I took it down,
shook it and nothing happened.
A shake has worked before.
The clock would start right up.
Now I can’t get the battery out.
My fingernails are too short.
Usually I meet the challenge
since I’m the first responder
but not this time, my dear.
No fingernails at the moment.
I put the clock upside down
on the leather ottoman where
the battery awaits a pallbearer.
A new battery should do it.
This clock’s always had problems.
Still, I’m surprised it’s not
running for president this year.
A new battery and it won’t lie.
Donal Mahoney
