I wish that time were mine to bend,
To speed or slow at will.
With poise the noise I would transcend,
The clock now locked and still.

I wish that time were mine to call,
I’d bring the pace to heel.
In joy I’d stall to idle crawl, 
And bar it’s endless wheel.

I wish that time were mine to rule,
To flow as I see fit.
These seconds led before so cruel,
Now pass when I permit. 

I wish that time were mine to mock –
This thief of pleasure past.
No single tick nor crooked tock
Would sound aloud at last.

And though although this rhyme of mine
Paints time a crime in verse;
Do not malign my whine benign
As dulcet adverse curse.

Yes time I know is not the foe
Which made this rotten mire,
To slow these blows and tableau woes 
No days I need acquire;

But from this soul time stole control 
And trapped in stagnant age.
Without a hope to pay its toll,
I chide my chiming cage.