I've made time for coffee and slow steps,

Long latte lines and soft speeds.

I've made time for paid parking preps,

To rest a bit from juggled junky needs.

I've found time for unrushed, felt skin,

For wash and cleanse and care,

And I've found time to start this new underpin:

A waking distance in which I'll prepare.

These times mean waking up before the common clock,

A sacrifice worth counting.

Early trains carry calmer faces, yet without shellshock,

Like my strange companion familiarly mounting

Your crossword puzzles in silent play,

Strong spine but softly curved, thus true.

Your simple earth he exudes in fine

Fibers of your brown and green hue.

And I feel you behind this setting foreigner

I find you through his walls.

How he doesn't know he plays for my examiner

Is how I can be within my new protocols,

How I still can feel you safely there beyond

Far enough to see as free

Far to keep the bond to me and correspond

But only approach as you not me need.

In this construction I will contain

Life-points I tally to build.

I'll pace the ticking stepping refrain,

To gather toward what's filled.

And maybe i keep this name

And keep this plodding known

(For I do see my simple game),

Then maybe there is time's throne.