Not a Moment Too Soon

9:57
...been standing here
waiting for the clock to tick.
It seems its hands
have begun to stick.
I only have
eight minutes remaining
yet my hope
is steadily feigning.

9:58
One minute closer
to a goal
that seems too far
as hope gets more dull.

10:00
For some this time
would be good enough
but the aim here
is just too tough.
The chance to be
obtained here and now
is suddenly approaching
and upon me somehow.
I begin to feel
excitement overcome
until I remember
we are not done.

10:03-10:04
They come together
as I look up
to see the deciding hand
finally lock it up.

10:06-10:07
The exhalation
can now take place
as the longest leg
has finished in this race.
Let the final work
here upon us commence
as is all of our
nightly rewards and presents.