If I Could Stop Time

If I could stop the spinning hands
That sweep the wretched clock,
Or yet, the hourglass' sands,
If somehow, I could block.
If time would still at my command
And hearken to my rules
I'd be a man in much demand
For madly racing fools.

If I could take our children's looks
And freeze them in their ages
I'd have their lives in story books,
Yet, could not turn the pages.
If I could break Death's stranglehold
By turning back the date,
I'd kill a wish of one who's old,
Who yearns to see their mate.

So I'll not dream of stopping time,
But carry on my way,
And live my life, not quite sublime,
From day to fleeting day.