The Pocket Watch Poem by Aftab Yusuf Shaikh

Quite an evening that was
When that terrible news came
How fearlessly you broke it to me!
How unabashed, without shame!

You told me I was minutes behind
You were correct, I realized,
On checking all clocks I find,
I took up my pocket watch
To rectify my mistake,
You took my name,
I looked up
At that smile, I was so blind!

I am getting married, you said,
To a boy my parents chose.
I heard,
staring deeply at
The tiny mole beside your nose,
“This tale is over, I leave you.”
I acted calm, like I believed you,

You looked in my eyes without care,
I looked away,
How could I dare?
Now looking at the watch
Time sauntering slow,
Nine Seven
Was the last that it showed.

I didn’t complain, walked away,
No arguments, no fights,
Never asked you, why?
Leaving at your feet
My love, faith, my trust,
And other things you can’t deny,

Now I understand
My wait was pointless,
Now I know
You deserved not the wait,
Never thought you would
Never return,
Just kept imagining
Maybe you’re a bit late!

As I look at the watch now,
It still shows nine seven.
And I realize,
Men may break, clocks may stop,
But time moves on at its steady pace,
And
those who fail to stick to it,
It leaves them departed in their ways.