I used to clock watch.

Set in the early morning glow of a nightlight.

Sleep a mile away.

Shadows and frustration my surroundings.

Locked up and away until it is time for life again.

Concern and agitation my state of being.

***

My mother is also a clock watcher.

Worry mounting as the time for an appointment creeps closer.

Hands locked on the steering wheel like the apocalypse is coming.

Never mind that she is usually early.

Presentation of utmost importance.

Preparation a necessity.

***

We both are clock watchers, but for different reasons.

Some watch to make time pass faster and others to try and make it stop.

Some watch for themselves and others for those they love.

Funny how clock watching always seems to have the opposite intended effect.

Forcing the anxiety to the front of the mind.

I learned to turn the clock around.