How Long?

How long?
Repeat after me the strange words,
How long?
Utter them under your hot, impatient breath.
How long?
Close your sagging lids and view them in blindness.
How long?
Feel the words convulsing your sour belly.
How long?
Sit staring and tap-tapping your fingers.
How long?
Undergoing the horrific hypnosis.
How long?

How long?

How long?

The pocket watch swings,
And only the mute have an answer.