Stalled

The battery leaked out long ago

leaving a crust of white and blue.

The kitchen is caught in a low,

slanting light that’s coming through.

It’s exactly four-twelve on the wall.

The second hand is trying to climb

the curve of the six, a heavy haul

for a motor lost in its own time.

It twitches there, a nervous limb,

shaking against the plastic face.

The light is beginning to dim

but the hands are stuck in the same place.