Justin Shin
Clocks
I have them in my home
quite a few actually
anything from the simple grey ring
and the ornate cuckoo clock
to the army of ticking watches
lying in some neglected drawer
they say clocks help tell the time
to measure the value of anything
a prolonged second
of sight and revelation
a chest crumpling with rage
or a minute’s waste
on a teacher’s meanderings
a glass wall of apathy
yet an hour too insufficient
between familiar faces
under the comfortable haze of warmth
and a year too long
to see them again
look upon the clock for guidance
on value and waste
learn the patience to bear
the universe’s futureward stroll
the clock’s impeccable beat will measure
—distance
—heartbeat
—loss
Justin Shin is a sophomore studying at the International School of Manila in the Philippines. He enjoys using literature as a tool to explore the many eccentric and beautiful facets of the world. He writes news articles frequently for the school publication Bamboo Telegraph. He also loves music.
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