Six Minutes

Six Minutes

Tick, tick, I watch the clock
as I plead for time to pass.
Just six minutes, but
my body screams, “Eternity!”

Finally, I push the button,
and the liquid I crave
enters my body, bringing
measured relief to my searing pain.

In a mere six minutes
I will push the button again.
In just six minutes of unending time,
I can hope for peace from this anguish.

Push the button!
Push the button!
Alas, it has its orders—
Every six minutes, not a second sooner!

I listen to the rhythmic clunking
as the machine pumps its promise—
a promise it can only keep
every six minutes.

360 seconds, 120 clunks—
Then it will heed my command.
This time it will surely
bring me sweet relief.


by Pat Nelson